James Russell Swanson

James Russell Swanson, 76, died June 8, 2020 at his home in Augusta County, VA, with his family by his side.  A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Bridge Christian Church at 1275 Goose Creek Rd, Fishersville VA 22939 with Todd Brown officiating.  Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Augusta Memorial Park, Waynesboro.

Born in Hampton VA to George and Marie Swanson, Russell’s childhood was spent in Lenior, North Carolina, a childhood full of adventures with his 4 siblings, tales of Cajah’s Mountain, boyhood friends and cousins, and lots of baseball.  His high school years were spent in Oak Hill, West Virginia.  There he graduated as class president from Collins High School in 1962, well liked and a strong athlete. 

Russell proudly served his country as a US Marine, serving three consecutive tours in the Vietnam War, from 1967-1971.  Upon returning to Virginia after working as a test driver for General Motors in Arizona, he joined his parents, learning the trade of upholstery.  Russell quickly developed into a skilled craftsman and provided exceptional work to customers throughout the Shenandoah Valley until his retirement in 2007.  He worked side by side with his wife Sylvia, demonstrating a strong and loving partnership in business, marriage, and parenthood.  Russell was known to love God, his family, and his country.  He had a friendly, steady spirit, always eager to learn and strike up a conversation with anyone around him.  He found much enjoyment in fishing, cheering on the Nats, his men’s prayer group at Bridge, relationships with friends, horses, and his tractor.   

Russell is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sylvia Swanson; two daughters, Amy Swanson of Nashville TN and Katie (Robert) Kapp of White Lake MI; son, Jay Dovel and granddaughter, Marley Dovel of Waynesboro VA.  They will miss him dearly.  Russell always enjoyed close relationships with his siblings, Steve (Betty) Swanson of Fincastle VA, Banks (Sandi) Swanson of Fort Valley VA, Juanita (Jerry) Cline of Waynesboro VA. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Nancy Eskins of Herndon VA.  He is lovingly known as “Uncle Russ” to many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Swanson and survived by his father, George Swanson of Waynesboro VA.    

The family would like to extend their deep and enthusiastic gratitude to Carol Showalter, RN, a longtime family friend who provided support, council, and guidance throughout this journey.  The family is also grateful for the dedicated and expert services provided by Hospice of the Shenandoah.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bridge Christian Church, Benevolence Fund, 1275 Goose Creek Road, Fishersville, VA 22939. 

The family is being served by Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville.

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