James Edward Swing

My husband and I moved into a house next to James and Luz Maria; we didn´t know anyone in the neighborhood. They were both so welcoming. We only knew him for a short time, but he was a great person to have as a neighbor and as a friend.

I was dealt a great hand in life...from my youngest days everyone said how much I reminded them of James. I guess that is true in looks, mannerism, sense of humor, even to career to an extent. I always took great pride in that. I am grateful for the time we spent together during my many trips in Knoxville since 2013. We a lot of fun but also had many meaningful conversations, including discussing the trust he put in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Losing James has left a deep void. My condolences to Luz Maria, Michelle and Stephanie.

James Swing Memories

James and I have been close friends for over 55 years.

We both are from Nashville. He played guitar and had several gigs playing in the Studio with famous singers. He knew Dolly Parton when she first arrived in Nashville singing folk and rock/roll prior to changing to country. They lived in the same apartment complex and were on a first name bases since they were both into music and were neighbors.

We both served in the TN Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Because we had long hair, we were selected more often than anyone else for special duties.

On the way driving back in a NG convoy from Mississippi, we stopped over in Memphis, James asked me to go with him to a small club and see Ron Milsap performing. It was great and this was before he became famous. James knew that he had great talents in music.

James liked cars and in the sixties he had a 55 Thunderbird, 60´s VW Bus and a 912 Porsche.

We both were huge UT Football fans and we went together to a Alabama vs Tennessee game.

James to me was a very laid back guy and I never saw him get upset. When a friend of his and I met Luz Marie ... we thought that there was no way he would be able to keep up with her. We were wrong and they made a wonderful couple.

When I took Maryann to Nashville to show her my home town, meet my friends and propose marriage to her in 1992, James and Luz Marie went with us and took photos as I proposed and she accepted my ring. Later we returned to their home and met their sweet young daughters, Stephanie and Michelle ... they showed us their tumbling skills.

We created many wonderful memories together. James will forever be remembered.

Gary Murphree

I am so sorry to hear about James passing. I had the brief opportunity to work with James over the past 4 months at SIU and always enjoyed his calm and peaceful demeanor. I could tell immediately after talking with him that he was a family man first. I pray that the Lord will bring peace and comfort to the family during this difficult time. Blessings.

I had the honor of doing business with James for many years from the very early 1980s. Through mutual trust, we accomplished a lot for our companies. That business relationship extended into a friendship and James had such a great personality. The obituary mentions his calmness. That is so true. He had a cool head about him. I regret James and I had lost touch with each other in recent years but will always have fond memories of the past. He was a great man. Condolences to Luz Maria and family.

Dear Luz Maria, Stephanie, and Stephanie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
James, thank you for all the words of wisdom that you shared with me throughout the years. Thank you for a great sense of humor and your humility. May "The Lord Keep you; May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the lord turn his face to you and give you peace."
Sandra Juliao Meade

In memory of a wonderful uncle. We will miss you so much. Thoughts, prayers and love to my aunt Luz and cousins Michelle and Stephanie.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

It is hard to find people in this world quite as pure, honest, hard
working, and genuine as my father. He was an incredibly kind soul who spent his entire life caring for his family and sharing his passion for music with us. I would not be who I am today without his example. We will love and miss you always, Dad.

We want to send our condolences to the family who has lost a very good man who cared deeply about his family

Sending Love, Thoughts and Prayers to Luz Maria and Family. James, I´m going to miss our talks. Thank you for all the kindness and knowledge you´ve shared with me. You are truly missed.