James M. Swenson, 70, of Albert Lea died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at his home in Albert Lea. A celebration of life service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells with the Rev. Kristi Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in the spring of 2020 with full military honors by the Wells color guard. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, visit www.brussheitner.com.

James Monroe was born Feb. 5, 1949, in Albert Lea, the son of Melford Hans and Arlene Marie (Allis) Swenson. Jim graduated from Alden High School in 1967, and served in the Vietnam War through the United States Army from 1969 to 1971.

He dearly loved riding his Harley and four-wheeler. Jim enjoyed being outdoors and in nature, watching and feeding the birds and sitting around the campfire with friends. He loved tending to his garden. Jim worked at Streater in Albert Lea for 38 years and then worked at Cybex for 10 years until his retirement.

He is survived by two children: daughter, Jennifer Swenson, (James Forbes) of Tennessee and her children KhrystyAuhna and Ka’ Leigha Swenson; son, Michael Swenson, of Austin; children’s mother, Diane Vallejo, of Albert Lea; his angel, Nancy Jacobs, of Alden; one sister, Marjean Jacobs, of Alden; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nordean (Edward) Weber; brother, Richard (Judith) Swenson, and brother-in-law, Albert Jacobs.