James Swift

James (Jim) Lee Swift was born on July 4, 1953, to Lester and Mardelle (Isle) Swift in Miles City, Montana.

He graduated from Brainerd Senior High School in 1972 and began working at Potlatch Paper Company in 1978. Jim dedicated 24 years to Potlatch before retiring.

A skilled craftsman, Jim loved working with his hands—whether woodworking, spending time outdoors, or tinkering for hours in his beloved garage/man cave. He also enjoyed relaxing with a cold beer and cherished time spent with family and friends.

In 2004, Jim met the love of his life, Pamela Weiss. After 18 wonderful years together, they said their vows on August 28th, 2021.

Jim was truly one of a kind—kind-hearted, genuine, and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Surrounded by his loved ones, Jim peacefully passed away in Brainerd, Minnesota, on May 22, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mardelle Swift; brothers, John and Jack Swift; grandson, Henry James Otey; and longtime friend, Mike Green.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Pamela Weiss Swift; sister, Joan Fairley (Jim Borg) of Crosslake, MN; children Kristi (Shannon) Kelly of Brainerd, MN, Brian (Alexsis) Swift of Biddeford, ME, Felicia Otey (Jalon Edwards) of Brainerd, MN, and Delbert Weiss (Jodi Mehr) of Brainerd, MN.

He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Kayla (Taylor) Huber, Tyler (Desiree) Swift, Nathan (Jasmine) Kelly, David (Fae) Kelly, Cameron Kelly, Selby (Adam) Swift, Deonte Parker, Symone Hunter, Abreana Otey, Giana Otey, Nicholas Cash Jr., Addilynn Cash, Thomas Cash, Abebrel Otey Jr., ArriElla Otey, Issac Bradford, JaLisa Edwards, Josilee Edwards, Cyrus Weiss, Molly Weiss, Michelle Brick, Lisa Brick and Sarah Munson.

His great-grandchildren include Kaleb, Zakary, and Benjamin Filsmyer; Hunter, Reid, and Piper Huber; Shiloh, Kambriella, and Atlas Swift; and Gavin Brown.

Jim is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Laurie Treuvey (Shawn Smith), Chris Kelm Jr. (Mary Evans), Elizabeth Hord (Alexandra Clark), Greg (Lacey) Swift, and Zack Swift (Casey Churchill); along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.