Mr. James David “Catfish” SwansonLaFayette

Lieutenant James David “Catfish” Swanson age 73, of LaFayette, Georgia passed away peacefully Monday – February 9, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in LaFayette to the late James Harry and Clara Dee Swofford Swanson. David was of the Baptist faith and a lifelong resident of the LaFayette area. David started as a Correctional Officer with Walker Correctional Institute, lead the Mobile Construction Unit and retired as lieutenant over The State of Georgia from the Georgia State Department of Corrections after thirty-four years of service. He was a member of the LaFayette Elks Lodge and the Jaycees. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his granddaughter: Emery Reese Herring, brothers: Steve, Phillip and Tim Swanson, brother-in-law: Charles Littlejohn and nephew: Mark R. Littlejohn. David is survived by his loving wife: Joy Abbott Swanson of LaFayette, GA, their children: Jeremy David (Christy) Swanson of Ringgold. GA, Melody Jean Strickland of Chickamauga, GA, Jimmie Nicole (Joseph) Herring of LaFayette, GA, sister: Marjorie Jean Swanson Littlejohn of Enterprise, AL, grandchildren: Annie Raine Swanson, Benjamin Wyatt Pemberton, Isaac Reid Pemberton, Lucas Keith Pemberton, nieces and nephews: Merrilyn (Keith) Lewis, Charles Laddie (Sylinda) Littlejohn, Richard Joe (Teresa) Littlejohn, Krista (Ron) Katkowski, great nieces and nephews: Michael and Lacey Gibbons, Britt and Caitlin Barnes, Cody and Autumn Lewis, Anna Bell McCray, Annie and Mark Allen Littlejohn, David and Courtney Littlejohn, Brandon S. and Claudia Littlejohn, Marah Paige, Lucas Brewer, Taylor and Elijah Bonnett, great-great-nieces and nephews: Layla, Loki and Freya Gibbons, Graylee and Brynlee Barnes, Walker Tate, Wells Coleman, Bambi Dawn Jones, Mallory Grace Littlejohn. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday from 12 noon until 8:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am until the funeral service. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm – Saturday – February 14, 2026 in the chapel with Pastor Malcolm Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Grand Center Cemetery in Chickamauga, Georgia. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes - LaFayette Chapel, LaFayette, Georgia. Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.