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In Memory of

James Martin Swanson

1936 - 1995

Founder of SunAir Express Virtual Airlines


TO ALL THOSE WHO JOINED JIM IN FLYING THE AIRWAYS OF IMAGINATION:

Jim Swanson died quietly Tuesday night, February 21, 1995, at 9:30 PM, in his home, having fought his cancer to the end.  He never gave up hope, and taught his classes until he was utterly unable to do so.  He was born in Iowa, went to school at Nebraska and Indiana, where he got his PhD.  He came to the University of South Florida in 1964.  In 1968 he taught me.  Jim was 58 years old.  His family requests that any donations be made to the University of South Florida Library Fund (813)974-2000 or to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

"The last scud of day holds back for me, It flings my likeness after the rest and true as any on the shadowed wilds, It coaxes me to the vapor and the dusk I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun, I effuse my flesh in eddies, and drift it in lacy jags.  I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles. You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, But I shall be good health to you nevertheless, And filter and fibre your blood.  Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, Missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you."
- Walt Whitman

As a farewell, Jim used the Russian words, "Vcevo khoroshevo."  Translates as "everything that is good", or "all the best".  So, vcevo khoroshevo, James Martin Swanson.  Keep 'em flying.

Lynn H. Hackett
Friend of the family


HISTORY DEPARTMENT REMEMBERS JAMES SWANSON:

The History Department mourns the loss of its senior faculty member and former chairman, James Swanson, who died at his home in Tampa on Feb. 21, 1995, after a prolonged illness.  Swanson came to University of South Florida in 1964 and made his indelible mark through years of extensive service on university, college and departmental committees.  His pioneer spirit and knowledge of computers won him additional honors in the 1980's.  Swanson also remained active in his research of Russian history.  He had published a monograph, "Scientific Discoveries and Soviet Law" (1984), and was in the process of completing his study of the role of Soviet immigrants in the development of American science.  "Jim's deliberative, insightful nature and quiet good humor earned him numerous friends throughout our community," according to History department faculty and staff.

Swanson is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Kristen and son David.  "The faculty and staff at the university share the loss of this dedicated and selfless professor," wrote History professor John Belohlavek.  The History department has established the James M. Swanson Memorial Fund to award book scholarships to history students.  Those wishing to contribute can call Sylvia Wood at (813)974-2809. 

The foregoing was published in "Inside USF," a faculty/staff publication of the University of South Florida, March 17 - March 30, 1995.


SUNAIR EXPRESS MEMBERS WILL NEVER FORGET JIM:

Jim Swanson was the founder of SunAir Express.  His talent and dedication in producing the finest Virtual Airlines will never be lost.  All of us at SunAir Express will miss him deeply.  I for one will never forget the end of each e-mail he sent, they were all signed "Jim in TPA".  Jim may be gone but we believe that his spirit lives on in every virtual airline.

James Bond
SunAir Express Virtual Airlines