James A Swanson Jr

James Alec Swanson, Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as Jim, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on August 1, 2026 at age 82. Born on April 20, 1944 in Columbus, Ohio, Jim was the son of James Alec Swanson Sr. and Helen (Hipple) Swanson. After graduating from North High School in 1962, he proudly served as a Sargent in the United States Marine Corps. He then began his career in the Underground Department at Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Company, eventually retiring from American Electric Power. Jim was well known for his love and dedication to Scouting. As a boy, he was a Cub Scout, and then Boy Scout in Troop 80 (Columbus, Simon Kenton Council) where his father served as Scout Master for many years. When his son became a Scout, Jim then proudly served for 25 years as the beloved Scoutmaster for Troop 80, shaping the lives and character of young men for over two decades. Jim felt a sacred connection to the earth and nature; the wilderness was his deeply spiritual place. He will forever be remembered for his passion for camping, love of high-octane campfire coffee, and his ever-worn red “Moose Club” suspenders and Marine Corps “cover” (as he always corrected anyone who called it a hat). Many will remember his green Ford F-150, always at the ready to haul camping gear, transport instruments to marching band shows and rock band gigs, or deliver the inevitable 4x8 sheet of plywood. Jim was also an expert wood carver; during peaceful nights by the campfire he created intricate and beautiful carvings and “wittlings” that will be forever treasured by friends and family. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evie (Burkey) Swanson, son James A. Swanson III (Julie), daughter Julie (Swanson) Boreman (Stephen), twin sister Janet (Swanson) Ferrell, brother Robert C. Swanson (Sue), grandchildren Evelyn Boreman, Alta Boreman, TechNo Boreman, Tate Bowen, Kayleigh Bowen, Jarod Bowen and great-granddaughter Navi Rae Mullins. Described by his beloved wife Evie, “He was as steady as a rock, quiet as a tree, strong as iron, and always ready to help." Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, August 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home (515 N. High Street, Worthington, OH 43085). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow immediately at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), Simon Kenton Council, at www.skcscouts.org/give.

James A Swanson Jr

April 20, 1944 - August 1, 2026