James Milton Swanson

James Milton Swanson, 71, passed away at his home in Manchester, NH on November 7, 2019.

James was born in Oregon on July 20, 1948. He was raised in Talkeetna, Alaska. After graduation from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served for many years as a Staff Sergeant at Vietnam, Spain, Nepal, Turkey and East Germany. James was a rifle expert and provided the military with surface intelligence and resource allocation. James was a cryptologic translator, and used his knowledge of Russian and various tribal languages to serve his Country. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/2 stars, Vietnamese Service Medal w/2 stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, letter of Appreciation and Rifle Expert Badge M-16. Upon return to civilian life, James studied at University of Massachusetts Lowell, earning his Bachelor's degree with honors. He continued to be of service to the public as a dispatcher with the Manchester VA Hospital and a volunteer with the Easter Seals.

James leaves behind his longtime companion's daughters, Pamela Monsignore and her fiancé, Kevin Joy, and Maria Monter and her husband, Mathew; his step-grandchildren, Owen Ebbs and Kelly Joy; his close friends, Constantine Paganis, Tom Stiles, Jeanne Sherlock and Richard Lane; and his mentee, Philip Paganis. James was predeceased by his longtime companion, Maryelizabeth Bartel.

James will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, December 13th at 12pm. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is located at 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.