87R6491 CW-D
 
  By: Meza 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.