James Clarence Swann, Jr., was born on May 7, 1928 in Marbury, Maryland to the late James Clarence Swann, Sr. and the late Dorothy Mae (Hart) Swann.

Peacefully, on Sunday, January 6, 2013, surrounded by family, James transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland.

James Swann loved the word of the God. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church for 51 years. He was baptized by the late Reverend William Leach in 1962 and served as chairman of the Trustee board before being ordained a Deacon in 1992 under Reverend Lowell Hancock.

James was educated in the Charles County Public Schools. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged in 1947, he continued to serve his country for an additional 36 years as an employee for the Federal Government at the Naval Research Laboratory. He was also a member of the Bee Hive Lodge #66 since 1962. James retired in 1983 and spent his free time in fellowship at his church, studying his bible, and enjoying time with friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Roberta Swann, Virgie Swann Thomas and brother, Charles Henry Swann.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Mary D. Swann, his children, James E. Swann, Larry Swann (Rachel), Sylvia Brown (Victor) and Phyllis Pitts (Lester Sr.); grandchildren, Denean, Maurice, Tondalayia, Lester Jr., Craig, Kourtney, Shavon, and Gregory. Also, celebrating his legacy are his 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, many brothers and sisters-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends whom he dearly loved.

Viewing, 6 to 8pm, Prayers 7:30pm, Thursday, January 10, 2013 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640 and on Friday, January 11, 2013 from 10am until Service, 11am at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 11220 Holly Spring Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.