James M. Swanner, 81

ADAMS, Mass. —  

James M. Swanner, 81, of Adams, MA died on Wednesday October 25, 2023, after a long illness.

Born on August 13, 1942, to Elmer and Ersa (Hurt) Swanner, in Hardburly, Kentucky, Jim was raised in Kentucky and later lived in Ohio and California before settling in Massachusetts. He made his career as an owner-operator, long-haul truck driver and retired from Castine Moving and Storage of Pittsfield, MA in 2005.

Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, April, and two daughters, April Crews and Jamie Swanner, as well as four stepdaughters, April Vogel, Jennifer (Brian) Lewis, Gina (David) Decelles, and Jessica (Dana Loncto) Vogel. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was immensely proud. He also leaves his beloved nieces, Theresa, Penny, and Morgan, his former wife Elaine, son-in-law Matt, many more family members, and all of the friends that he considered family. He was predeceased by a daughter, Tracy Lynn “Jamie” Swanner, who passed away in 1973, and his sister, Ona Mae Kelly. Jim was especially grateful to his granddaughters Stephanie and Cara Vogel for the care and love they gave him as he became more ill.

Jim enjoyed fishing, playing pool, watching the news and sports, collecting knives, tending to his “garden,” and enjoying the harvests. Over this last year, he was happiest outside in the sunshine with his dog Emma and his loving wife by his side. For a long time, he’d been on the road due to work, so in his retirement years he was content to be home and was always present for the important events he’d had to miss in the past. It meant everything to him and to his family.

Jim was a plain-spoken, truthful, hardworking man with a fighting spirit. From his earliest years until his last, he faced every challenge in his life with perseverance and the courage of his convictions. Even when he knew that he may finally be facing something he could not overcome through sheer force of will, he refused to give up. Right until his very last moment he went left lane, hammer down – just the way he always had and exactly the way he wanted.

At his request, there will be no services. Jim loved good times, laughing, drinking, smoking, and having fun with friends and family—and that is what he wanted us to do. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome to a gathering in his memory at the VFW, 573 Mohawk Trl., North Adams, on Saturday, November 4th beginning at 3pm. You are welcome to bring a dish to share but it is not expected. He would just be happy you came, and we will be too. Jim would not want any flowers nor any donations in his name. He would want you to keep your money. But he would be more than happy for you to come and play some pool and maybe place a friendly bet or two in his memory. We hope to see you there…but if you can’t, we hope you will remember him fondly, and if you’re so inclined, have a shot and a beer for Jim. One for the road.