James Dellis Swanson

Graveside Services with Military Honors for James Dellis Swanson, age 83, of Bonham, Texas will be held at Corinth Shiloh Cemetery in Corinth, Texas at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 28, 2021 under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Family will officiate. James was called to his eternal home on June 21, 2021.

James was born on March 21, 1938 in Mabank, Texas, the son of Riley Charles Swanson and Trudie Awn Monds Swanson. He was the third of six children. James and his siblings were all musically gifted and often enjoyed singing and playing guitar together. One of James' fondest memories was when they had an opportunity to sing and play on the radio. James took his musical talent with him when he joined the United States Air Force in 1956. He would entertain his fellow troops, regularly singing popular Elvis Presley songs to keep everyone's spirits up. After James served in the military he returned home and attended North Texas State University, graduating with a BA in English Literature. He met the love of his life, Jackie Wilson, and they married in 1965. They were married 56 years before his passing. James was a student of philosophy, holistic medicine, and spiritual healing, and he took pride in remaining active by going on 4-mile bike rides and long walks nearly every day until he fell ill. James spent his life giving to others. He never spoke a bad word about anyone, and always made time to listen to others while only speaking about himself when asked. He had a very giving spirit, a poetic and philosophical mind, and a heart of gold. He was a talented artist, musician, and avid reader with an incredible uplifting sense of humor and positive energy that everyone could feel in his presence. James faithfully served his wife, children, family, and community until the age of 83. He will surely be missed in the hearts and minds of all those who loved him.

James is survived by his wife, Jackie of Bonham, Texas; daughter, Charlotte Swanson of Austin, Texas; four sons James R. Swanson and Robert Swanson, both of Liberty Hill, Texas; Guy Swanson and Danny Swanson, both of Bonham, Texas; two grandchildren, Lauren and Levi Smola.

T he family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home on June 28, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.