James Elwin Swift, 72, longtime Carpio area resident died on Friday, August 24, 2018 in Minot.

James was born on November 3, 1945 in Minot to Willard Elwin and Dorothy (Broderson) Swift. He was reared on the family farm in Callahan Township of Renville County near Carpio and attended a rural elementary school. He graduated from Carpio High School, attended the ND College of Forestry in Bottineau and graduated from Mayville State College with a degree in Physical Education and Social Studies. During his college years he was employed as a dispatcher and was also on a trail crew for the U.S. Forest Service in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area in Montana.

Jim began his career in education and coaching at Makoti High School and continued at Belcourt for fourteen years. He returned to the farm in 1989 and especially enjoyed caring for his cattle. Also, he was a substitute school teacher in Minot, Kenmare, Berthold, Glenburn, Westhope, White Shield and Dunseith. He married Joy Baker in 2001. They divorced later. Jim's love of basketball led him to attend many area games. He also officiated for basketball and football games and coached track and cross-country teams.

Jim was a member of the Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio Volunteer Fire Department and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Dale Marks of Ypsilanti, ND; long-time best friend and fiance, Nordell Cockrell of Minot; nephews, Dustin Marks, Minneapolis, MN; Nick Marks, Ypsilanti, ND; niece, Jennie Smith, Ypsilanti, ND; 4 grandnieces and grandnephews and many cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of the Life of James Swift: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carpio Lutheran Church.
Interment will be in the Nazareth Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Visitation: Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Carpio Lutheran Church, Nazareth Cemetery or Gideons International.