James Edward Swonke Jr.

Jim's life story was one of 56 years and was not near long enough. We had many more chapters that were cut off way to soon. There's so many memories, situations and experiences we can all share about Jim, but today and right now, we remember Jim as a loving Husband, Father and Papa. And so this story starts not at 56 years ago with Jim's birth, but approximately 36 years ago. When a guy met a girl and “All because two people fell in love".

Janis Perkal had no Idea what was In store for her when James Edward Swonke Jr walked into her life. Love was in the air and Cupid had fired and met his mark. The dust settled and the chase was on. This was no ordinary chase, for Jim was no ordinary guy and Janis was definitely no ordinary girl. Being an avid outdoorsman and skilled at Hunting and Fishing Jim was no stranger to the hunt. The big city girl never stood a chance once Jim ployed all his deep southern tactics. As unorthodox as they were, they worked all the same, winning Janis's heart. Little did either of them know, she would become " The Great Trophy of Jim's Life". I never said this was easy, as we know how Dad's can be about their daughters and Janis's Dad, Mr Perkal was no easy Father. Mr Perkal was a WWII Veteran and was one of the only IRS Agents to carry a gun. This big bad daddy was able to shake down some of the Chicago greats.... including Jimmy Hoffa... But Mr Perkal couldn't deter or discourage Jim's efforts to become Janis's husband. Jim was ready and determined and proved he was there to stay.

Jim did it! Not only did he gain the heart of his one true love but also her Mom, Dad and his soon to be step-son, Vince Delgado. Now come wedding bells and more love. Jim and Janis are now 1 life, 1 Love and their baby girl Jennifer Michelle Swonke is born. So like any good Husband and Father, Jim wants to provide and support his family while doing something he loved. He accomplished so much. He took big game and caught record size fish and now with an amazing new Wife and family they decide to continue their adventure together with Jim joining the United States Army. Desert Storm was underway and Jim being the brave man he was decided to join the Military Police Investigations Unit. While Jim serves his Country two more babies were born. James Edward Swonke III (aka Jimmy) and Daniel Jay Swonke (aha Huck). When his time was complete with the Army, the young Swonke family set their sites on the wide and vast land of Colorado. Learning the territory and mountains, hunting and fishing was by far Jims favorites. Jim lived, Jim made friends and changed complete strangers lives. Jim went on to teach his children the ways of the land. Taking them

on many great adventures, fishing, hunting and camping and passed on his knowledge. Years pass and "Jim and Janis" become "Papa and Nana". Their first 3 of 14 grandchildren were born in Colorado. Tila Delgado, Heaven Perkal-Cross/Hanson and Andrea Rupp.

A new adventure awaits the now older Swonke family in Texas and once again they move and their family begins to grow once more. Jennifer becomes a Hanson bringing 3 more grand babies. Kayla Hanson, James Cole Hanson and Jesse Hanson. Jimmy marries Shae and Brantley Swonke, Leighton Swonke and Jenson Swonke are born. Huck and Amber, outdoing us all, bring in another 5 grand babies. Cameron Doyle, Railee Swonke, Parker Swonke, Kade Doyle and Kayson Swonke. All of us creating families of our own and wow all these babies!!! You caught that right. I'll say it one more time in case you missed it. That was 14 Grandchildren!!

Through the year's, we've laughed and we've cried. We now tell your stories of your life and the love you had for one another and your great "Love Story". This love that you created together, now flows and corses through all of us. Being someone's "Great Love of a Lifetime" is no easy feat or accomplishment and not many can say it as easily as your Wife does. As your legacy grows even stronger through us, we move forward through our lives and learn to function without you. We will carry on your love And We will carry on your love for the outdoors and find adventure everywhere we can. Your Legacy will live on and We will try our best to make you proud and instill the same values in our families with all the love, dedication and loyalty that started with your love for a girl and is "All because two people fell in love".

We love you and will forever miss you.