James "Swany" Allyn Swanson, age 74 of Duncan Lakes passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 PM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Rev. Murry Jay Johnston officiating.  Private family interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  The service may be viewed live on Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057043736890

Swany was born on July 31, 1949, in Genoa, to Kenneth and Eileen (Lantzer) Swanson and lived in St. Edward, NE, until they moved to Columbus where he graduated from Columbus High School in 1967.  He attended Wayne State College where he received a degree in History. Swany's passion for music ignited at a young age when he was influenced by the Beatles. At the age of 14, he embarked on his music career, starting as a drummer with The Beautiful People. In 2002, he was honored with induction into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame. Throughout his musical journey, Swany showcased his talent by playing with various bands. In addition to his musical pursuits, Swany followed his father's profession and became a carpenter. He also worked at Platte College in Maintenance, where he was recognized as the Platte Person of the Year in 1997.

Swany was a devoted father to three children: April, Zach, and Sam. He was united in marriage on December 20, 2003, to Kak Kapels Peterson.  Together, they acquired a cabin at Duncan Lakes in 1999, where they made their home, which Swany constructed with his own hands. Swany cherished spending time with his family especially grandchildren, indulging in activities like feeding the fish and listening to music on the deck.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend, Kak Swanson.  Swany is survived by three children and their families: daughter, April Keeshan of Schuyler,  her daughter Maliya Keeshan, son, Zach Swanson (Shelby Engel) of Duncan, his family: Brock Clarke, Kiya Taylor, Paxten Swanson, Collins Swanson and son, Sam (Whitney) Swanson of Columbus, his family: Kingsten Swanson and baby Swanson due in October, two brothers, Jon Swanson of Columbus and David Swanson of Independence, MO, step-children, Lesli (Darin) Mickey of Stromsburg, and Heidi (Bryan) Corwin of Omaha and 17 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-sons, Lance Pfeifer and Nathan Peterson.