James Swingdoff

James M. Swingdoff, age 68, resident of Lakota, ND, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2013.

James Mathew Swingdoff was born August 2, 1944 at Devils Lake, ND, the son of Leroy and Angeline (Hengel) Swingdoff. He was raised on his parents farm near Brocket. When his father died in 1956, the family moved to Lakota where Jim attended school. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 11, 1962 and was honorably discharged on December 9, 1966. Jim then attended North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton. He worked for several years at the Knetter Cheese Factory in Lakota. He then worked for several area farmers, and was currently employed at AFM Enterprises in Lakota. Jim was a racecar fan and enjoyed farming. He was a member of the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota.

Jim is survived by 2 sisters, Donna (Vern) Sheard of Manvel, ND and Rita Burthold of Grand Forks, ND; 6 nieces and nephews, Jeff (Sandy) Sheard of Manvel, Gregory (Lisa) Sheard of Grand Forks, Nicholas Sheard of Manvel, Pete (Rhonda) Burthold of Grand Forks, Annie Burthold of Fargo, and Mike (Leah) Foster of Fargo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Swingdoff; and a sister, Myra Foster.

The Memorial Service for Jim will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lakota on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Fr. Steven Meyer. Music will be provided by the St. Mary Church Choir, Barbara Johnson is the organist. Burial will be in the spring at the Lakota Cemetery . Military Honors will be provided by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota. Visitation will be held at the Church on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.