James David Swords

January 12, 1947 - December 29, 2020

JAMES D. SWORDS 1947-2020 James D. Swords, 73, of Guntersville, Alabama, died Tuesday, December 29, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. Born January 12, 1947, he grew up in the East Lake neighborhood with his parents and three brothers. He attended and graduated from Marshall County High School where he was an outstanding football player and athlete. After attending Jacksonville State University, he began working in the jewelry sales locally, then eventually established his own chain of jewelry stores throughout Nashville, Tennessee. After many years, James and his wife, Cicely, returned home to Guntersville where he opened his own local jewelry business, Swords Diamond Shop, serving the people of Guntersville, Albertville and Boaz. Besides his love for people and jewelry, he loved his involvement in the community. He was highly involved in leadership of the Guntersville Chapter of Civitans, the Marshall County Reunion Committee for the Class of 1965, and all aspects of the First Baptist Church of Guntersville. James loved his family widely and deeply. He is survived by his wife, Cicely Shaw Swords; son, Josh Swords (Kim) of Tuscaloosa; daughter, Calley Swords Kutner (David) of Guntersville; grandchildren, Miller and Allee Belle of Guntersville, Caroline and Joshua Swords Jr. of Tuscaloosa; his brother, Gary Swords (Debbie) of Guntersville and Steven Swords (Lenora) of Guntersville; and many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Vinnie Swords and his brother Thomas Swords, all of Guntersville, AL. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 12:00-2:00 PM with the funeral following at First Baptist Church- Guntersville located at 1000 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976. In his memory, contributions may be made to Civitan International (www.civitan.org or One Civitan Place, Birmingham, AL 35213-0744); or Apple Foundation (www.applegrants.org or PO Box 921, Guntersville, AL 35976)