Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

James Malachi Swain, 72

James Malachi Swain, 72, of North Little Rock, passed away on November 1, 2020. He was born December 2, 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Arthur Jennings Swain and Barbara Ruth Ballard.

James was an Air Force Veteran, honorably serving his country for four years. He then served the local North Little Rock community as a Police Officer for 20 years. During this time, he devoted many hours to his law enforcement family and many associations to include the Arkansas Police Olympics and American Legion Post 1 Legion Riders. After retirement, he worked as manager of service for Security at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. James trained many officers and security personnel during his lifetime. James also loved golfing, cooking, and volunteering at many places. He taught Ti Chi and enjoyed spending time with his family and favorite dog Harley.

James is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Barbara Swain; and grandson Clayton Whitsell.

James leaves behind his loving wife of seven years Jorja Swain; children Jimmy Kelly (Christie), Sean Swain, and DeeDee Whitsell (Jason); grandchildren Taylor Whitsell, Tori Swain, Morgan Swain, Scarlett Kelly, and Kathryn Kelly; five great-grandchildren; sister Frances Swain; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Visitation will be held Monday, November 9, 2020 from 11:00am- 1:00pm at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main St in Jacksonville.

In light of the current health concerns, James’s family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers if you are not able to attend the service. Please be aware, as per Arkansas directives, attendance will be regulated in accordance with Arkansas guidelines, all guests in attendance will be required wear masks/facial coverings and social distancing guidelines will be in place

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

49 Comments

  • Mike and Kris Rickard Posted November 3, 2020 4:52 PM

    We were so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. Our prayers are with his family.

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:39 PM

      Thank you so much

  • BJ Tullos Posted November 3, 2020 4:55 PM

    So sorry for your loss. Praying for everyone.

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:40 PM

      Thank you for your prayers

      • Reed Thompson Posted June 30, 2021 8:00 PM

        I just happened across this and am so sorry to learn of Butch’s passing. We were neighborhood kids together on West G. I always enjoyed our chance meetings down through the years. My sincere condolences.

  • Sara Jane Luckey Posted November 3, 2020 5:58 PM

    I’m so sad that our world has lost Butch. He was a really special man…now he’s a really special angel!

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:41 PM

      Thank you so much, yes he is now one of my wonderful angels

  • Sherry E Hungerford Posted November 3, 2020 9:36 PM

    I loved working with Mr Butch at Levy United Methodist Church. He was always there with a smile . Im so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love and hugs.

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:43 PM

      Thank you for the prayers, love, And hugs

  • Kaylene “Andrews” Amell Posted November 3, 2020 10:10 PM

    My condolences
    Prayers lifted for peace and comfort

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:44 PM

      Thank you

  • Jim Brown Posted November 3, 2020 10:46 PM

    We all loved Butch as he loved us. Thank you God for letting me share a part of my life with such a wonderful generous and caring person. Although he has passed and gone to live with you he will continue to live in my heart and I will continue to enjoys the memories and his smiling benevolent face will always be an image in my mind.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:00 PM

      Thank you so much, he had a wonderful smile

  • winston f. wade Posted November 4, 2020 12:21 AM

    goodbye old friend, i first met butch many years ago, we were in judo together, police work, police olympics, security at baptist hospital and later when he was a volunteer at the va hospital. butch was one of the smartest and most capable people i have ever known and played a big part in my life and in the lives of many others.

    • Jorja Swain Posted November 13, 2020 10:45 PM

      Thank you for your prayers.

  • Chris,Bonnie,Katie and Bekki Coody Posted November 4, 2020 3:02 AM

    Butch was a very special person and we will miss him greatly.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:01 PM

      Yes he will be missed, but sure his getting in his golf game.

  • Paige Richardson Posted November 4, 2020 5:13 AM

    May God bring you all comfort, Butch was a good man and father.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:01 PM

      Thank you

  • Jerry W Smith Posted November 4, 2020 6:15 AM

    I was sadden to hear about the passing of Butch. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:02 PM

      Thank you for your prayers

  • Kathy O’Kelley Posted November 4, 2020 8:49 AM

    Rest in peace Butch – thoughts and prayers to the family.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:02 PM

      Thank you for your prayers

  • Del Gieber Posted November 4, 2020 9:08 AM

    Sorry for your loss he was a true friend and a great person he will be missed

  • Phyllis Meredith Posted November 4, 2020 9:18 AM

    So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. He was a good friend for several years. Prayers for all the family!!

  • Jimmy J Mosby Posted November 4, 2020 9:24 AM

    I enjoyed working with James at Levy UMC, praying for the strength of the family.

  • Leslie Gann Posted November 4, 2020 9:29 AM

    RIP Butch. Prayers for you and your family

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:15 PM

      Thank you Leslie appreciate your prayers.

  • Kelly Brewer Posted November 4, 2020 11:06 AM

    So sorry to hear this. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:14 PM

      Thank you Kelly for the prayers.

  • Bob Scott Posted November 4, 2020 1:11 PM

    RIP Old Friend

  • Pam Ball Posted November 4, 2020 2:25 PM

    Francis and Jorja, I was so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both and the family. He will be greatly missed.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:04 PM

      Thank you do much for your prayers

  • David Harrell Posted November 4, 2020 2:34 PM

    I will always have a lot of great memories of Butch and his great heart and smile. My prayers are for his family and friends. He will always live in our hearts and minds.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:12 PM

      Thank you for your prayers.He will truly live on in my heart and mind.

  • Kathy Barnett Thompson Posted November 4, 2020 6:29 PM

    Butch’s face is in my mind still from school days. What a good spirit he was! Peace be with each of his loved ones.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:11 PM

      Kathy Thank you.

  • Elaine White Posted November 4, 2020 7:23 PM

    Great memories of Butch!
    Prayers for all the family!
    Frank and Elaine

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:10 PM

      Elaine Thank you for the prayers.

  • Frank white Posted November 4, 2020 7:28 PM

    RIP Butch! Many great memories! Glad you were a part of our lives. You made a difference.
    Frank and Elaine

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:09 PM

      Thank you do much Frank

  • Billy joe brown Posted November 5, 2020 9:21 AM

    Butch was a good friend of mine he hired me in 1999 as security officer for Baptist Health. I’m still working at Baptist Health today because Butch believed in me. I’m so sorry my friend has passed away

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:09 PM

      Yes, he talked about some of his stories while working at Baptist Health

  • Bob Major Posted November 5, 2020 4:15 PM

    I have known Butch since grade school. I always enjoyed our visit when we would visit. Even though we have seldom seen each other, there is the strong bond we share as members on the NLRHS Class of 1965 “The Wildest Cats Alive”. Butch will be missed by his family, friends and classmates. Thought and prayers.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:07 PM

      Thank you for your prayers

  • Lisa M Posted November 6, 2020 6:30 PM

    I love you, Miss Jorja.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:07 PM

      Love you also. Thank you for all you do for me.

  • Barbara Johnson Posted November 7, 2020 3:34 PM

    M M Eberts Unit 1 is saddened to know that another faithful member has departed our ranks. We will certainly miss him, and we send our heartfelt prayers to his wife and family as they prepare to face the upcoming days.

    • Jorja Kelly-Swain Posted January 1, 2021 9:06 PM

      Thank you do much. All these comments mean a lot.

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