James David Swann

JAMES DAVID SWANN, of Dandridge, TN passed away on Thursday morning, May 31, 2012. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be sadly missed by family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Iva and David Swann. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda Garrett Swann; children, Kristin Swann Depew and Jeff Depew, and James David Swann II (Pooh) and Tricia Swann; and much loved grandchildren, Jake Depew and Sophie Swann. Jim is also survived by sister, Caroline Swann; mother-in-law, Maxine Garrett; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene and Jean Garrett and Stuart and Patsy Houpt; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A longtime educator in Jefferson County, Jim began his career at Talbott Elementary School as a principal and teacher, before becoming principal at White Pine School. From there, he served as a supervisor in the Central Office. In the early 1980s, he assumed the position of principal of Jefferson County High School. Jim loved the interaction with students, teachers and support staff and enjoyed many years at the helm of the Patriots. He returned to the Central Office as a supervisor before retirement. A graduate of Maury High School and East Tennessee State University, where he received both his undergraduate and advanced degrees, Jim had a livelong appreciation of education. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dandridge, and a former Dandridge City Councilman. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 2-4 and from 6-8 at Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge. A celebration of the life of Jim will be held at the First Baptist Church in Dandridge on Sunday, June 3, 2012, beginning at 2pm, with the graveside service to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society, PO Box 653, Jefferson City, TN 37760. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE