James Swann

1925 - 2014

Swann, James 89, passed away on December 12, 2014 at his daughter's home in Lakeland, FL. He was surrounded by members of his family and he now resides in heaven. James was born on May 26, 1925 in Murray, KY to Fred and Edith Jones Swann. His family relocated to Lakeland, FL when he was an infant, where he lived until graduating from LHS in 1943. James then enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Camp Gruber, OK until being honorably discharged in 1944. He went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Accounting. He returned to Lakeland, before relocating to the Orlando-Winter Park area where he accepted an accounting position with Martin-Marietta where he worked until his retirement in 1986. On October 17, 1964 he married Virginia Richmond and they were members of St Paul Lutheran Church. Later he became a member of North Park Baptist Church where he supervised and coached the Upward Basketball Program. He will be remembered as someone who never met a stranger and he will be missed by all who knew him. James was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Richmond Swann, brother's Andy and Colonel Frank Swann. He is survived by his sister Fredrica Swann Conrad of Tampa, son Sammy Swann of Lakeland and step-son Daniel LeFevre of Williamsburg, VA and daughter Denise Swann Dansby of Lakeland, brother-in-law Robert Richmond of Eustis, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends, also a beloved friend Ramona Sims and family. Graveside services will be officiated by Pastor Josh Malone on Monday December 29 at 1:00 pm at the Palm Cemetery located at 700 North New York Ave. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in his name to Cornerstone Hospice of Polk County, 2950 Haven Dale Blvd in Winter Heaven, FL.