Justin Ransom "Judd" Swift

1945 - 2026

Justin "Judd" Swift, died peacefully on March 9, 2026 after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

A giant among men, he recited Shakespeare and Sophocles and sang arias in the halls of the White House, the Department of Energy, at family dinners and in front of anyone who would provide an audience. He also had a particular talent for very bad puns. His knack for making people comfortable doing difficult jobs was renowned throughout his storied careers in the world of hotels, working for three presidents, and leading a successful consulting business.

His last "career" was as the CEO of Synfuels Americas, a job he held until his death.

Judd told, and was part of entertaining and interesting stories, wherever he went, often involving prominent personalities. He successfully published a book, My Presidential Life, in 2024 recounting his adventures during various campaigns and administrations while at The White House.

A member of the storied Noyes family of the Evening Star newspaper, Judd was born May 11, 1945, in New York City (by accident, and always considered himself a fifth generation Washingtonian), grew up on Reno Road in Washington, DC and spent a few years in the Netherlands, during this time, he attended the Rodney School in Nottinghamshire, UK and was famous for being the misbehaving American. More recently, he spent many happy years in the town of Little Washington, Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gail Swift, brothers Ted, Bill and Chris, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Foothills Forum, based in Washington, VA, the Rappahannock County Sheriff's Children's Foundation, or the Washington VA Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

An online tribute wall and guestbook are available at https://www.foundandsons.com

Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.