James Edward Swanson passed from this earth on January 29, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 72. He was born on January 8, 1954, in Alpine, Texas, to John and Vivian Swanson, the youngest of their four sons. His family later moved to McKinney, Texas, and finally to Amarillo, where James and his older brothers, Charles, Robert, and Daniel Jr., spent the remainder of their childhood. James spent most of his remaining years as a resident of Amarillo.
After graduating from Tascosa High School in 1972, James took a few courses at Amarillo College. Realizing his passion for automobiles, he worked for several dealerships in the Amarillo area. He enjoyed buying and selling various 1960s-era muscle cars and even two motorcycles. Later, James worked for several janitorial services in buildings around Amarillo, making new friends along the way.
James loved to read books and magazines and was fascinated by the Titanic incident, the JFK assassination, the NASA space program, aircraft, and trains. He knew each topic intimately and in great detail. He loved to ponder different conspiracy theories and what-if scenarios, developing many possible outcomes. He was also an avid classic radio and TV buff, particularly enjoying 1950s-1960s programming. Science fiction shows were his favorites, such as Lost in Space, Star Trek, and his all-time favorite, The Twilight Zone. He had a photographic memory of many of these episodes, recalling the smallest details.
James was a quiet person who loved his solitude. He could be alone for hours, immersed in books, magazines, and TV shows. However, James was also a very social person. His quiet demeanor and friendliness made people enjoy talking with him and being with him, as they experienced his zeal for conversation. James was also quite witty and humorous, loving to pull a good prank or deliver a one-liner when you least expected it. Sometimes, you could tell something was coming when he got that little quirky smile on his face. He often thought up hilarious fictional stories involving himself, displaying his creativity and desire to make others laugh. He and his friends shared many laughs and long conversations over the years.
James is preceded in death by his parents, John and Vivian, and his brother, Daniel Jr. He is survived by his older brothers, Charles of Pensacola, Florida, and Robert of Fort Worth, Texas. James is also survived by two nieces and five great-nieces and nephews in Fort Worth, Texas, and Seattle, Washington.
James Swanson was a kind man who brought a little humor and friendship into this world. Those who knew James are better people for having had him in their lives. His legacy lives on in our hearts when we enjoy the simple pleasures of life and cherish our friends as he did.
Our prayer for James’ eternal rest is best expressed by the blessing from the book of Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
A graveside service will be held for James at Llano Cemetery 2900 S. Hayes Amarillo, Tx. 79103 on Thursday March 12,2026 at 2:00 pm.
Jimmy was one of a kind. It was quite an experience getting to know him. Sad that his humor and all the odd wonderful things that he knew about random things is gone now. He is missed.