"Dr. Swanson was my children pediatrician for over 15 years (until he retired). I will never forget his patience and his kindness to me and the kids. There was never a question that was too stupid, with his smile he answered all. I have never met a smarter or kinder doctor! RIP Dr. Swanson"
In loving memory of
Dr. Jack Tracy Swanson
May 2, 1944 - June 6, 2025
Dr. Jack Tracy Swanson, M.D.
May 2, 1944 - June 6, 2025
It is with great sorrow that the family of Dr. Jack T. Swanson announces his passing. Jack passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa, surrounded by his beloved wife, Mary Jo, and their four children. He was 81 years old.
Jack Tracy Swanson was born on May 2, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Ward and Mary Swanson. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1962. Jack earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Iowa in 1966, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to complete his medical degree (M.D.) at The University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1970 and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society.
As an undergraduate, Jack met Mary Jo Schaetzel of Denver, Colorado. They married August 16, 1968, at Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver and spent over 56 years together building a life rooted in love, family and shared purpose.
After graduating from medical school, Jack completed a rotating internship at Highland General Hospital in Oakland, California, from 1970-1971. He returned to Iowa to complete his pediatric residency at The University of Iowa from 1971-1973. Dr. Swanson served in the U.S. Army as a pediatrician at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, from 1973 to 1975. He liked to say he started work there on the last day of the Vietnam War.
In August 1975, Jack joined McFarland Clinic in Ames as a pediatrician--a role he often described as "the perfect job." Over his 44-year career, he conducted more than 200,000 patient visits, becoming McFarland's longest-serving physician. Known for his attentive care and friendly smile, Jack was loved by his patients and their families. His dedication, quiet confidence and gentle bedside manner endeared him to generations of families in central Iowa.
Beyond his clinical practice, Jack was a lifelong advocate for improving pediatric care at the local, state and national levels. He was actively involved in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for over 25 years, serving the Iowa Chapter as President from 1988 to 1991 and contributing to numerous national committees, including: Practice & Ambulatory Medicine (1991-2002; Chairperson, 1998-2002), Task Force on Integrated School Health Services (1993-1994), Task Force on Medical Informatics (1995), Task Force on Circumcision (1997), Task Force on Reimbursement (1999), Task Force on Mental Health (2004-2025), Practice Action Committee (Chair, 2002-2005).
One of his most enduring contributions came through his work on the Bright Futures Steering Committee (2002-2025), where he helped create the Bright Futures Toolkit, a nationally recognized guide for delivering preventive pediatric care from birth through age 21. He also served as a liaison to the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases (2002-2012), contributing to yearly updates and multiple editions of the Red Book, the go-to resource on pediatric infectious disease care.
Locally, Jack served as Chief of Staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center from 1991-1993 and on the McFarland Clinic Board of Directors beginning in 1997, later becoming Vice President in 2000. He held an academic appointment as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Iowa College of Medicine, where he contributed to continuing medical education and numerous advisory boards.
Among his honors, Jack was recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America starting in 1996 until his retirement, received the Pediatric Recognition Award from Blank Children's Hospital in 1997, and was honored with the Innovation & Excellence in Medical Practice Award from Mary Greeley Medical Center in 2008.
Jack's life was grounded in service, but filled with joy. He treasured time with family and friends, and enjoyed traveling, golfing, skiing and visiting the Colorado mountains. He was a member of the Noon Rotary of Ames. A dedicated Iowa State Cyclone fan, he rarely missed a home football or basketball game for 48 years.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, and their four children: Jay (Lori) Swanson of Ames, Rob (Jessica) Swanson of Huxley, Julie (Aaron) Stevens of Waukee, and Amy (Patrick) Finn of Glen Ellyn, IL.
He is also survived by his eleven beloved grandchildren: Jack (Lydia), John (Celeste), Jeffrey; Madeline, Reagan, Simone, and Elliott Swanson; Luke Stevens; and Emma, Henry, and Maeve Finn--and his precious great-granddaughter, Eloise Swanson.
He is also survived by his brother, Ward (Diane) Swanson, and his niece, Jennifer (Dave Denton) Parson, of Denver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Mary Swanson, and his nephew, Jeff Swanson.
A visitation will be held Thursday, June 12, from 4-6 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m. with a light lunch to follow. For those unable to attend, the funeral will be live-streamed at amesnpc.org.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to:
McFarland Clinic Foundation
1215 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
To the many patients and their families of Dr. Swanson: remember him as your kind, considerate and compassionate doctor. He always looked forward to seeing your faces. Your time with him was as meaningful to him as it was to you. And above all else, may you remember his friendly smile.
You will be forever missed and always loved, Smiling Jack.
Tributes
"Having both worked with Dr Sawnson and having him as my child's pediatrician, he was a wonderful man. Always gentle and patient. I've never heard anyone utter a complaint about him either as a coworker or as a patient. Blessed to have had him in our lives."
"Dr. Swanson was my pediatrician as well as a really good friend's dad (and a neighbor). His quiet demeanor and sense of peaceful presence was always so grounding. I don't think I ever met anyone in Ames that didn't know him as the amazing doctor and human that he was - as quiet as he was, he would always light up the space with his bright and gentle energy. My prayers as with the family as they celebrate the meaningful impact of his life. He will be greatly missed, but may his legacy shine brightly! I will always remember Dr. Swanson's compassionate and humble way of being in the world. And of course, his smile that lit up every space.
Amy (Carey) Mazeski
"
"Dr. Swanson was my pediatrician. He was the best. He was always caring and kind. He will be missed."
"Words cannot adequately express how much Dr. Swanson means to our family. He diagnosed my daughter at birth with a heart murmur and helped guide us on a path that ultimately led to life saving surgery multiple times. We were frequent fliers in Dr. Swanson office. His care and compassion were unmatched. He listened with without judgment and was always incredibly reassuring. I am forever grateful to Dr. Swanson. "
"Dr. Swanson had the best smile in the world. He was my daughter's first pediatrician. She was born in 1996. I would see him out and about and I would always stop him and thank him for all he did. Sorry for your loss and he was one of the bright lights in this world. Take care of yourselves during this time of grief. Joyce Hagley mother of Taylor Hagley (28)"
"My deepest sympathy to the Swanson family. I both worked with him and had him as my children?s pediatrician since the 1980?s. My daughter was his first case of Kawasaki disease at age 3 and only 5 years into his career he still exuded that quiet confidence that was so reassuring to us. I have witnessed his expertise and caring in some tough situations in the ER and have so much respect for him. He gave it his all and pediatrics care in our community certainly excelled because of his dedication and skill. Thank you Dr Swanson and family! May he rest in peace now. Marilyn Polito "
"We felt blessed to have had Dr. Swanson as our children?s pediatrician. His advice was very important and I always felt they were treated with the very best care. Our sympathies to all of his family and colleagues who knew him best. "
"He was our pediatrician. All five of my children loved him. Dr Jack made my children feel comfortable and he CARED! His twinkling eyes and time to listen to me and each of my children made going to the doctor not so scary. "
"Dr. Swanson was my and my siblings' pediatrician and he had the kindest voice, smile, and demeanor. He was always so gentle and good-hearted. Many children in Ames, former patients, and the healthcare community at-large are losing a legendary doctor. May he rest in peace. "
"My first encounter with Dr Swanson was for my son who was newly born and had severe jaundice. On one of our daily morning trips to the lab to have his levels checked he stopped us in the hospital corridor to look at my son to be sure he was doing well. What a terrifically kind and caring gesture and he made an impression on me forever. He became our peds Dr for both my kids and when my son turned 18 he was so sad he longer could see Dr Swanson, the absolutely BEST Dr!!! "
"He was my pediatrician all my life. I ran into him last August so we took a picture together."
"So sorry to hear this news. I first met Dr. Swanson when I was a child in the Emergency Room and he was newly hired at McFarland Clinic. He was gentle and reassuring. I never knew his nickname " Smiling Jack" but that certainly fits. I'll always remember his smile from my years as a pediatric patient and then as an adult working at McFarland Clinic as a dietitian. I am so glad to have known him. I'm so sorry for the deep loss of family, friends and coworkers. Kathy ( Smithson) Vannoy"
"Dr. Swanson was our children's and grandchildren's pediatrician. He was always calm, kind and skillful. His steady presence through good times, challenges and grief helped us feel supported. I'm glad that a couple years ago, I saw him while walking by the clinic and was able to tell him how much he meant to our family through the years. Condolences to his family and friends. He was a star. Maura Peglar"
"Mary and I want to offer our condolences for Jack's passing. We have known Jack for almost 50 years. He was a great physician, colleague and friend. He was always kind, gentle, and had a calm, positive attitude even in stressful times. His work in the American Academy of Pediatrics, with many articles and quality guidelines leaves a lasting effect on his specialty. His leadership at McFarland Clinic on many committees and vice-presidency of the board-- with many important decisions also leave a lasting legacy. Like all who knew Jack and his easy smile, we will miss him deeply. He leaves us with many accomplishments and leaves us with a better community and many pleasant memories. We hope his love can be carried on by his family. Mike and Mary Kitchell"
"Our deepest sympathies to Mary Jo, Jay, Rob, Julie, Amy?and all the family: and to all the many many friends, colleagues , partners, and patients who have lost a giant smiling true gentleman. We feel connected in every one of these. Jack was one reason we came to ames. He was a mentor in training in Iowa City, a friend and valued partner in Ames. We watched and cared for children growing together and cheered our cyclones? ups and downs. We shared some recent health hurts. God bless you my friend and to all who feel the loss. Leo and Janel "
"Dr. Swanson was my pediatrician and since my mother worked with him in the department I often joked that I was one of his oldest patients since I didn?t transfer out of peds until I was older. He was a wonderful and caring physician who was always so kind and approachable. I was lucky to have him as my doctor and the community of Ames was lucky to have him. My deepest sympathies to his family. -Robyn Kohler "
"Dr. Smiles was all four of our children?s doctor. He was the most caring, compassionate, heartfelt doctor! Our children loved him and we will forever remember his bright smile! "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swanson family. Jack was such a kind and gentle man and a fantastic doctor. "
"My condolences to the family. I have known Dr Swanson since 1978. I worked with him professionally and he one of my most beloved pediatricians. Always so kind and caring. Such a knowledgeable professional. He is greatly missed. Carol Ellertson."
"He wasn't my daughter's doctor, but was on call when she had to be admitted with a very severe kidney infection. That night, he stayed in her room all night, lying on her bed, with his hand on her forehead. When the nurses needed him, they would come and get him. He told my daughter's pediatrician later, he had never seen a child come in so sick, and survive. We have loved him since. He was three of our grandchildren's pediatrician. So sad to hear of his passing. "