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Gerald "Jerry" A. Swanson, 84, of 3583 Lakeridge Road, Jamestown previously of Strunk Road, Jamestown and 1838 Pine Valley Drive North Myers, FL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Born June 16, 1942, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Doris Allen Swanson.
He was a 1960 graduate of Jamestown High School and later attended Jamestown Community College. He also served briefly in the military before receiving a medical discharge.
As a child, he was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and is currently a member of Bemus Point Methodist Church. Jerry had a heart for sales from a very early age, even selling his sister's bike when they were kids. Prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Lake County Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Kia from 1983-2014.
He was widely known for his deep integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion. A truly generous soul, he dedicated much of his life to helping both individuals and community organizations. He was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 53 years. He will be fondly remembered as a collector of everything--and a man who found great joy in gifting his finds with family and friends.
Surviving is the love of his life, Kathleen Illig Swanson, whom he married June 8, 1968; four children Jeremy "Jamie" (Noelle) Swanson of Jamestown, Jennifer (Gary) Peters of Lakewood, Bridget (Jason) Braley of Belmont, CA and Taylor Swanson of Lakewood; 11 grandchildren Gwendolyn, Jeremy, Joshua, Jacob and Georgia Swanson all of Jamestown, Chloe Peters of Albany, NY, Violet and Owen Braley, both of Belmont, CA, Madison Swanson of Lakewood, Dakota (Kara) Anderson and Mitchell Anderson, both of Buffalo; a sister Barbara (David) Chall of Bemus Point and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Russell E. Swanson and a sister Marcia S. Nelson.
Friends will be received from 4-6 pm Friday September 11, 2026 at Lind Funeral Home in Jamestown and for one hour prior to the church service Saturday.
The funeral will be held at 1 pm Saturday September 12, 2026, at Bemus Methodist Church, 4954 Bemus Ellery Road, Bemus Point. Light lunch immediately following.
Memorial donations may be made to Bemus Methodist Church, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care or Chautauqua County Humane Society.
You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.