James Furman Swanson

Mr. James (Jim) Furman Swanson died on March 5, 2024 in Mecklenburg County, NC, at the age of 84. Jim was born March 16, 1939, the son of Fred and Cordia Swanson, grew up in Waynesville, N.C., and later resided in Gastonia, N.C.

Jim served 15 years in the military – ten years in the Army as a surveillance photographer and five years in the Navy, where he sang with the Sea Chanters Group. After his service, Jim bought a freight truck and traveled the country for work. He enjoyed tinkering with computers, taking long walks for exercise, and communicating on CB radios. Jim’s handle was Robinhood, and his wife, Reita, also joined him with her handle, The Queen of Hearts. Later, Jim became a ham radio operator and connected with people across the globe, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Jim and Reita also loved to clog and were in a clogging group together.

Mr. Swanson is predeceased by his beloved wife, Reita Swanson. He is survived by his step-daughter, Kathy Jones and her husband, Jimmy; step-son, Johnny Spence and his wife, Vicki; four grandchildren, Jimmy, Dawn, Josh, and Michelle; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Carson, Zackary, Dalton, Angelique, Aiden, Xander, Anna, Eli, Paul, Nathan, Nikerson, Caleb, and Emma.

The family is planning a private service.

Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia, NC is serving the family of Mr. Swanson.