James Leonard Swanson, III, 63

May 6, 1960 — March 25, 2024

James L. Swanson was the ultimate warrior and kicked cancer’s butt for seven long years. But when his body could no longer bear the treatments, Jim took that cruel beast down with him. Cancer may be the reason that Jim passed away so young, but cancer didn’t win. You see that relentless disease cannot live without a host. Therefore, when Jim’s soul was freed, his burden immediately met its demise. We may have lost an amazing man, but he still won. We also won. Far exceeding the timeframe they gave him at diagnosis, for six-plus additional years, we all got to experience so many more genuine and amazing times with him. Jim’s final gift was supplying us with many memories to help ease our grief, memories to act as glue to hold our broken hearts together, and memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. And for that, we have to push our anger (of the unfairness of it all) aside and be grateful that he was the toughest man we’ve ever known, not ever willing to give up that fight for all of us. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. 

Jim is survived by his soulmate, Lesa Coontz, and her wonderful family that he loved and cherished, as his own. His siblings; Rizae (Kevin) Pfiefle, Carla McCaffery, Dan Anderson, Dave Anderson and Jeana (Dan) Allison, along with many nieces and nephews, his (step) Mom, CaroleSue Swanson, and his only child, Dacia (John) Carpenter and his grandchildren; Letrell, Quincey, Amahri and Trye. And so many amazing friends that he considered family. 

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen (Jim) Anderson, his father, James L. Swanson, and his siblings, Doug, Dean and Jean Anderson. 

Jim had many AKAs: James, Jim, Jimmy, Son, Brother, Dad, Father-in-law, Gus, Uncle, Nephew, Son-in-law, Grampa, Grandpaw, Grandfather, Poppy, Papa Shrimpy, Soulmate and Friend. 

Please join us in an informal gathering to honor and share memories of Jim on Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. Q’emiln Park 12201 W. Parkway Drive, Post Falls, ID, city beach, at the picnic area near the bridge. Parking lot (with fee) at the entrance. 

Condolences to the family at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.