James Elwood Swain

   James Elwood Swain, 62, of 231 Swamp Road, Hertford, NC, died Saturday, July 4, 2020 in his home.

   James was born in Washington County on February 7, 1958, and was the son of the late Rex Ventress Swain, Sr. and Barbara Jean Vanhorn Swain. In earlier years he had worked on a tugboat with The Norfolk Dredging Company, in maintenance with the Pelikan Ink Corp. in Edenton, and as a contractor for UPS. He attended Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.

   An avid sports fan, he loved all things about the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles, making many trips to watch them play. A nature lover, he appreciated God's creatures and their surroundings, and cared for the littlest of these as he fed and watched his birds. A kind, quiet soul with a great sense of humor, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the "love of his life", his wife, Miriam Hurdle Swain, who died suddenly in January of 2016. They were married nearly 14 years.

   Surviving are his son, James E. Swain, Jr. of Portsmouth, VA; three sisters, Sandra S. Poe of Roper, Debra S. Garrett of Plymouth, and Terri S. Graham of Elm City; a brother, Rex V. "Butch" Swain, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Roper; a granddaughter, Jade Nicole Edwards; and several special nieces and nephews. Also surviving is Miriam's family, sister Rebecca H. Hamill of Greenville; and brother, Wayne Hurdle and wife, Linda, of Hertford, and their children, Ron and Jenna.

   A memorial service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel and will be conducted by the Rev. H. Gene Boyce. A private burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, in care of John Mansfield, 801 W. Grubb Street, Hertford, NC 27944.

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Albemarle Home Care and Hospice for the comfort given their loved one during his period of declining health and transition.

   Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.