TITLE: In memory of James Nolen Swafford of Grand Prairie.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Nolen Swafford of Grand Prairie.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The passing of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem James Nolen Swafford on December 1, 2020, at the age of 84, has brought great sadness to his loved ones and to his many friends in the Grand Prairie community; and WHEREAS, Jim Swafford was born in Oklahoma City on July 21, 1936, to Nolen and Bernice Swafford; a member of the Class of 1955 at Arlington High School, he went on to graduate from The University of Texas at Arlington and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Swafford enjoyed a rewarding career in the banking industry before retiring as president and CEO of NationsBank/Bank of America in 1996; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to the betterment of Grand Prairie, Mr. Swafford was a member of the city council from 1977 to 1979 and was elected to the District 2 seat in 1998; he served as mayor pro tem for five terms, and he was known for his sharp analytical skills and adept handling of the budget process; his other leadership positions included vice president of the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corporation, and he worked in support of the Tax Increment Financing Districts; and WHEREAS, Mr. Swafford was a longtime board member of the Methodist Health System in Dallas; moreover, he presided over the Grand Prairie Independent School District Board of Trustees and the Grand Prairie Quality of Life Foundation; he was also involved with many civic organizations, and he belonged to the DeMolay Legion of Honor; twice recognized as the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, he was named Citizen of the Year in 1996 and received the chamber's Zeus Award two years later; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Swafford drew strength from the love and support of his wife of nearly six decades, the former Judy Gipson, who preceded him in death; he was the devoted father of two children, Robert and Renea, and he also took great pride in his grandchildren, Jane Anne and Johnson, and great-grandchildren, Graham and Colby; and WHEREAS, Warm and compassionate, Jim Swafford was a devoted family man and a significant asset to his community, and his commitment to his loved ones and to Grand Prairie will be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Nolen Swafford and extend sincere condolences to his relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jim Swafford. Meza Turner of Tarrant Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 207 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 18, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House