James J. "Swanee" Swanson

James J. “Swanee” Swanson, 68, of Wataga, died at 5:36 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, following a short illness.

He was born November 28, 1946 in Galesburg the son of James L. “Lowell” and Louise H. (Bogard) Swanson.  He married Caren Liddicoat on October 17, 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Caren; two daughters, Jami (and Jeff) Maher and Staci (and Troy “Sparky”) Simpson, both of Wataga; a stepson, Wes (and Sarah) Jacobson of Kewanee; grandchildren, Jaci (and fiancé, Andy Bush) Maher of Galesburg, Jordan and Joshtin Maher, Hunter Hepner, and Chesni and Charley Simpson, all of Wataga, and Keegan Jacobson of Kewanee; a sister, Luan (and Russ) Gustafson of Wataga; and nephews, Cory Ward of Galesburg and Jim Haptonstall of Davenport.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James L. “Lowell” Swanson and Louise H. Harriman.

After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1965, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He owned and operated Swanson Service Center in Wataga.  He then worked at MSI and Lambasio Plumbing and Heating in Galesburg, and was currently a school bus driver for ROWVA School District 208.

Jim was a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 25, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285, and Rio Masonic Lodge 685.

Swanee enjoyed working in his garage, his classic Mustang, NASCAR, dogs, and deer hunting.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and no one will ever forget his contagious smile and sense of humor.  He never knew a stranger.

Masonic services will be 4 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel followed by a visitation until 7 p.m.  Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel.  Rev. Jim Ecklund will officiate and Military Rites will be provided.  Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish a fund in Jim’s name.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.