James B Swank Ii

James' memorial service can be viewed here. https://vimeo.com/718112720

James's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7Y4CLDPHFD5PNMZG

James Bruce Swank, II, 55 years 329 days

Jimmy passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, with his sister, Candy, by his side. Jimmy lived in his own apartment with help from his CHI Friendship family and recently, Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Jimmy was born on July 13, 1966, to James Bruce and Janice Marie (Zeller) Swank in Fargo, ND. Jimmy lived with his family until July 17, 1970, when he moved to the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton, ND, to receive specialized care. He moved back to Fargo to be near his family on January 23, 1989. He started with CHI Friendship, who loved and cared for him for the remainder of his life.

Jimmy’s personality was larger than life itself. If there was chaos happening around him, he was more than likely the culprit of the event. He loved music; Elvis and Johnny Cash were his favorites. He loved his guitar, drums, noisemakers, and counting to 10 as loud as possible on his drum. His smile and infectious laugh could turn around a person’s day in a heartbeat. A person could not stay unhappy when they were spending time with Jimmy. Jimmy did not communicate in a traditional manner. He had no problem letting someone know if he liked or didn’t like what was happening around him. Bringing joy to others was his gift. He brought that joy to others during the Christmas Holiday, ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. He would ring the bell and sing along, bringing the attention to the Red Kettle. Jimmy taught others that a shoe could bring an immense amount of joy and pleasure; a person just needed an imagination.

Jimmy loved to travel. His favorite trip was to Graceland, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. He took many trips to Minneapolis/St Paul to enjoy shows at Chanhassen Dinner Theater, attend Minnesota Twins games, visit parks, zoos, and whatever else the cities would offer.

Jimmy’s family was near and dear to his heart. In March 2013, Jimmy and his sister, Candy, moved into an apartment together. At that moment, the family was “put back together,” as stated by his dad. Jimmy invited and welcomed his family into their home for holiday meals. He welcomed any drop-in visits from family members. He attended church with his family every chance he got. He loved to be around people. Hosting friends and family gatherings were a highlight for him. His opinion was, “the more, the merrier” the greater the chaos!!

Jimmy is survived by: his father, James Bruce (Barbara) Swank, Sr., his mother, Marie Janice (Murray) McKay-Baldwin, his step-mother, Linda Rae Fuglie, his siblings, Candace Ann Swank, Justin Bruce (Amanda) Swank, Jessica Rae Schwehr, Ryan John Beery, Eric William (Esmeralda) Dewald, Kristina Marie (Todd) Barton. Jeremy Jason (Amy) Dewald and numerous nieces & nephews.