Funeral services for James L. Swenson II, 56, of Chamberlain, SD will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial at a later date in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain.  Visitation will begin Friday at 5:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. scripture service at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain.

A memorial fund will be established in Jimmer’s honor.

James “Jimmer” was born on September 23, 1965 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Sharon and James L Swenson. Jim spent his entire life in Chamberlain, a community he truly loved. Jimmer and his brothers experienced adversary losing their mother at a young age. After the passing of his mother, Babe and Irene Cullen- their next door neighbors- graciously stepped in and helped raise and love Jimmer.

Jim attended the Chamberlain School District where he made many great, lifelong friends. Jim and Karri met in high school and have loved each other every day since. Jimmer graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1984. Shortly after graduating high school, his father James passed away and Jimmer took over the family’s Dairy Queen business.

Many years ago, James, Jimmer’s dad, mentioned to his sons that he saw a particular need for a boat business in the Chamberlain area due to the recreational opportunities abounding in the community. Swenson Bros Marine began in October of 1984 and all of the brothers were involved in the family business at one point in time or another. In 1990, Jimmer became half owner and ran a successful business with his brother, Kevin, for many years. Jimmer loved his thirty two years at the boat shop—while he was very instrumental in management and day to day activities, he specialized in customer service. Jimmer always had a smile and was willing at a moment’s notice to drop everything and help anyone and everyone with their needs. In 2009, Jim and Kevin were awarded the 2009 Chamberlain/Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.

Jim had recently sold the boat shop to Benji (Cassi) Hammell and Joe (Siara) Aesoph. Jimmer was looking forward to helping the boys succeed and was making many plans for retirement. Through it all, he was so thankful for the support of his longtime employees- Doug and Greg- and his many, many incredible boat customers. He always ran into boat shop friends everywhere he went.

Jimmer met the love of his life when Karri was 16 and Jim was 17. They were married in Chamberlain on October 14, 1989. Jim was an incredible husband and always made sure Karri knew how much he loved her. Jim and Karri’s marriage was the perfect example of what true love looks like. Through their marriage, Jim and Karri had four daughters, Kelli, Madison, Alli and Kerigan (Kandy). Beckett was adopted at birth in April 2012 and completed the Swenson Family. Jim was a true family man- he was always there for his wife and kids and would drop everything at a moment’s notice for any of them. He was their biggest cheerleader, biggest supporter and never made them question how proud he was of them and how much he loved them.

In addition to loving his family so well, Jimmer loved giving back to the community. He was proudly a member of the Chamberlain Volunteer Fire Department, Chamberlain City Planning + Zoning Board, Sanford Chamberlain Consumer Council, River City Racing, Ducks Unlimited, and was currently serving as the President of the Mitchell Technical College Power Sports & Marine Program Advisory Board.

Jimmer was an avid conservationist, loved old muscle cars, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family and had a strong faith in God. He also loved kids and always took time to make every child feel seen, heard and loved.

Jimmer was the best husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He loved well and no matter how busy he was, he was willing to drop everything and help anyone in need. Jimmer always saw the best in each person and never spoke a bad word about anyone. He was forgiving beyond measure, kind beyond comprehension and loved so big. He was always the one to help others realize just how much they mattered. Throughout his life, he did so many things without any recognition, just to make sure that everyone – whether they be a friend or stranger—was taken care of and loved.

Jimmer was preceded in death by his father, James, his mother, Sharon and his brother, Jeff. He was also welcomed into Heaven by Babe and Irene Cullen. He is survived by his wife Karri, his four daughters Kelli, Madison, Alli and Kerigan (Kandy), his son, Beckett, his three brothers, Kevin (Lorri), Dave and Bob (Mary) and numerous lifelong friends including Judy Harrington, Chuck (Joyce) Selland and many, many others.

Jimmer cared about everyone so much, that he forgot to take care of himself. If you are struggling or feel lost, please reach out to one of us or someone you love. There is no judgment, no condemnation. You are not alone, you matter and you are loved.

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