James Jim Arthur Swanlund

James Arthur Swanlund, 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away on June 2, 2012, in his home surrounded by family after battling dementia. Jim’s parents Arthur and Mabel Swanlund welcomed him to Heaven. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Suzanne (Cole), daughters Becky Steiner, Christina and Tim Mabie, Julie and Mike Lucas, grandchildren Kristen and Dana Steiner, Ali and Aaron Mabie, Noah and Olivia Lucas, sister-in-law, Ellen and Carmine Pugliese and their children, Anne Pugliese, Joe and Jennifer Pugliese and their children Caitlyn and Cole. Jim was a graduate of Creston High School and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Michigan State University. He served in the US Marine Corps for six years. Jim was selected as Teacher of the Year by JA when he was a teacher at Hall Elementary. He was principal at Dickinson and Campau Elementaries in Grand Rapids for many years. He and Sue managed Leisure Village after his retirement from GRPS. Jim will be remembered for generously giving his time and helping others. He loved to read, travel, ride his motorcycles, drive his 1936 Ford roadster and 1970 Citroen. He had a passion for learning and his willingness to try new things led him to snowboarding, scuba diving, sky diving and wind surfing, all of which he enjoyed with his daughters. He served on the Cannonsburg Ski Patrol and helped build many Habitat homes. Jim and Sue were ELCA missionaries in Kimboi, Tanzania. He was a lifelong member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was instrumental in establishing the Hill Child Development Center. A special thank you to Faith Hospice especially Lisa and Patty for their loving care and support. Visitation will be at Reyers North on Sunday, June 3, from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. Funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (250 Commerce SW, GR 49503) on Monday, June 4, at 4:00 pm. Those wishing to share an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Jim Swanlund Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hill Child Development Center (c/o Bethlehem Lutheran).