James Sherard Swinson

James Sherard Swinson was born on July 15, 1947, in Kinston, NC to the late Juanita Leigh Swinson and Willie Andrew Swinson.  He peacefully entered his new life with Christ on June 22, 2024. 

James began his education in Kinston, NC and completed it in Baltimore City, MD.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where he served with distinction and honor for 25 years.  He was Honorably Discharged and retired as a First Sergeant in August of 1989, and held true to the motto, “Semper Fidelis”.  After retirement from the military, he worked for Montgomery County’s Health and Human Services Department until his retirement.

James married his “precious honey” Willie Mae Swinson on March 27, 1982, and remained her devoted husband until her passing on March 13, 2018.  James and Willie Mae were blessed to blend their families and shared nine children as one.  To keep busy after retirement James was a proud board member of his HOA and a dynamic bowler on his bowling team.  He was an avid follower of politics and was often placed in Facebook jail due to his unfiltered political opinions. 

James was the oldest of nine children and leaves to cherish his memory his sisters Gloria Scott, Paula Washington, Denise Murphy, Vivian Canson, and Donna Barksdale, his brothers: Patrick Murphy and William Swinson, his children:  James Swinson Jr., James Swinson Jr. (JJ), Robert Blackmon, James Pettaway, Curtis Pettaway, Toni Davis, and Cynthia Winters, over twenty six grandchildren and great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and his new lovely Fiancé: Monica Thompson.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae, sister, Patty Rouse, brother Nathaniel Swinson, and daughters, Loretta Pettaway and Mary Ellen Pettaway. 

James will be continuously loved and missed by all whom he encountered.  May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

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