James Ladell Swanson, 83, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025, at Pontotoc Nursing Home. Ladell was a member of Randolph Church of Christ and spent over 20 years as an entrepreneur and home builder. Later, he owned and managed a manufactured home community for more than a decade before retiring due to health issues. A passionate outdoorsman and deer hunter, he loved inviting family and friends to his hunting cabin, creating lifelong memories filled with laughter and joy. He cherished the moments spent in the woods with loved ones. Despite limited mobility in his last 14 years and his final years in Pontotoc Nursing Home, where he was adored and even crowned Valentine’s King, Ladell’s strong spirit remained unshaken and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Ladell is survived by his daughter, Teresa Colburn, his son, Casey Swanson, his 10 grandchildren, Reed Harlow, Crystal Blake (Jason), Mason Hester (Amanda), Tiffany Whitaker (Jimmy), Summer McGee (Hunter), Savannah Eaton, Vincent Conlee, Jazlyn Eaton, Brittany Mejia (Osvaldo), and Ashley Swanson, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his 3 daughters, Angela Harlow, Rebecca Swanson, and Carrie Swanson, his parents, Powell and Mary Magdalene Swanson, 2 brothers, Winston Ray Swanson and Eugene Swanson, 3 sisters, Wondalene Dodson, Maxine Canerdy, and Powelette Swanson, his grandson, Chase Ward, and the mother of his children and wife of 25 years, Jeanette Pettit Swanson.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2 PM at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5–8 PM and Saturday afternoon starting at 1 PM until the service begins. Burial will follow at Heartwell Tutor Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Vincent Conlee, Mason Hester, Wyatt Harpole, Blayne Canerdy, and Jason Blake.
