"When I've come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free?
For this journey we all must take, and each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home."

James Price Swain of Forest, VA passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the blessed age of 93. James was born February 24, 1925 in Hardy, VA to John Jasper "Jack" and Ethel Swain.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Blake; his daughter, Janice Sampson; two grandchildren, Trina and Bryan; brothers, Fred, Harris, and Giles, and his sisters, Margaret, Gladiola, Josephine and Evelyn.

James lived on the family farm in and around Franklin County, VA, until he joined the Navy during World War II. He worked in the coal mines and at the Veteran's Administration Hospitals near Beckley, West Virginia, and Salem, Virginia before moving to Philadelphia, PA in 1953. There he worked at the V.A. Hospital in Philadelphia and Valley Forge Army Hospital until retirement. James and his wife, Alice owned and operated J&A Grocery in West Philadelphia and he taught many, as he was an instructor in a youth job training program at Scotty's Transmissions. They returned to Bedford, VA in the early 1980's.

James accepted Christ at an early age and joined Bellevue Baptist Church in Hardy, VA. He was ordained as a Deacon at Fountain Baptist Church in North Philadelphia. After his return to Bedford, he became a member of Washington Street Baptist Church and sang proudly as a member of the Men's Chorus.

James was a skilled farmer, miner, cook, paper hanger, mechanic and a loyal and devoted friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Linda Anderson of Forest, VA; his children, James H. (Sharon) Swain of Atlanta, GA, Debra Swain-Elliotte of Roanoke, VA, Rev. Randy (Valerie) Swain, Bedford, VA, and stepson, Roderick Yuille of Madison Heights, VA; six grandchildren, Karen, Randy, Tracy, Janice, Eliza, and Sadie; a host of great and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Vashti Hunter; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.