James Richard Swindle, 64, fulfilled his earthly pilgrimage and moved to his eternal home on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 8:30 PM at NMMC Hospice after a brief illness. Affectionately often referred to as, “Glory, Mr. Clean or Curly Joe” by family and friends, James was born in Tupelo on February 4, 1952 to the late Chester and Betty Jean Wells Swindle. He graduated Tupelo High School in 1970 where he was an outstanding member of the band. He attended Itawamba Junior College on a band scholarship. He married his sweetheart, Marilyn J. Young on January 19, 1973 and they made their home and family in Tupelo until moving to the Brewer Community thirteen years ago. Boy Scouts of America was a huge part of James’ life. He was an assistant Scout Master of Troop 109 for many years, the Scout Master of Troop 8, worked many years as Wood Badge staff for area scouts, was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver Recipient in 2001. James was a faithful member of the Brewer United Methodist Church and a participant and leader of the Koinonia Emmaus Community. A colorful personality and practical jokester, James loved picking on his family and friends and especially enjoyed “holding forth” at the Brewer Grocery. His hobbies included stamp collecting, helping fellow scouts with achieving merit badges, collecting old Church Hymnals and scouting memorabilia, stamp collecting, taking cruises and living life to the fullest each and every day.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 11 AM Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with his pastor, Rev. Chad Bowen, Rev. Steve Lampkin and his nephew, Rev. Kerry Powell officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3 PM-7PM today (Sunday) and from 10 AM-service time on Monday all at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving the family.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Young Swindle of Brewer; his sons; Brian Swindle (Mary Kate) of Saltillo and Steven Swindle of Guntown; four grandchildren, Ty, Madison, Piper and Trip Swindle. His sister; Betty Rhodes (James) of Pigeon Forge, TN; his Young in-laws better known to him the “outlaws”: Russell Young (Barbara), Carolyn Powell (David), Marie Whitt (Jerry), Peggy Estes(Jerry), Robert Young, Sr. (Pat) and John Young (Carol); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Betty Jean and a brother, Henry.
Pallbearers will be Robert Rhodes, Robert Young, Jr, Bill Young, Rico Johnson, Ty Swindle, Chad Cobb, Romie Hays and Sean Akins. Honorary pallbearers will be nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net. Memorials may be made to Brewer United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1, Shannon, MS 38868 or to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174.
