James D. Swenson

Celebrating Life

James Darel “Boo” Swenson

December 14, 1947 – October 5, 2023

Jim Swenson passed away peacefully, October 5, 2023 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center in Walla Walla, Washington surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born in Spokane, Washington on December 14, 1947 to Darel & Deora Jean Swenson.  He grew up in Harrington, Washington until the young age of 9.  The family moved to Pendleton, where he attended school and graduated from Pendleton High School.  He earned a baseball scholarship to BMCC.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Chris Warner in February of 1967.  They had two children, Kerri Jo and Kyle.  They later divorced.  He remarried Renee Peterson, August of 1978.  They had a daughter Jamie and divorced in November of 1992.  He then married his wife Debbie Butler of 30 years until his passing.

Jim’s father owned Rainier C&C Distributing, where Jim and brother Jack worked long hours beside their father for many years before selling the business to Graybeal distributing in 1993.  He then worked at Pendleton Ford for several years.  He also joined Dobins Heart pest control with his father who was part owner.

Jim picked up the game of golf in the early 80’s.  You could find him out at Pendleton Country Club with his family and friends playing the game he loved.  He was an active board member and became President for 2 years.  He enjoyed anything to do with sports, which he handed down his passion onto his three children, Kerri Jo, Kyle and Jamie.  He loved teaching and coaching his children to succeed in whatever sport they were in at the time.  Jim enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing, any sports, working hard and spending time with his family and friends.

After his career at Dobins Heart pest control, he wanted a change of pace and landed a job at D & B Supply in 2007.  He found his passion in helping customers and was all about customer service.  He looked forward to seeing the staff and managers he worked beside every day.  They truly became family to him.  Jim was always the first one to arrive and the last to leave work.  He took pride in everything and everyone.  He finally retired in 2014.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife Debbie, his two remaining children, Kyle Swenson (Vicki) and Jamie Rabb (Bobby), brother Jack Swenson (Kathie). Grandchildren, Derryck Swenson (Sara), Clara Swenson and Branson Rabb.  Great Grandchildren, Samual Swenson, Emmett Swenson and Logan Swenson.  Son-n-law Scott and Step daughters Marquita & Ember.  Step Grandchildren Alexandra, Jordon, Chaeden & Haven Samara.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Darel & Dora Jean Swenson, Daughter Kerri Jo who passed away February 2023, and granddaughter Rockey Renee Rabb.

His handshake was solid gold and one to be trusted.  Always there for anyone in need.  We will miss you “Boo” and forever be remembered by many.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.  Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements. Obituary courtesy of Burns Mortuary. 

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