H.R. No. 207
R E S O L U T I O N
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