James Lee “Jim” Swafford, 56, of Crystal River, was born November 5, 1961 in Sarasota, Fl. Jim had 2 bouts of a neurological disease called Guillain Barre, the last episode being very severe. Because of the gravity of this illness, he became focused on natural medicine.
He opened Sunrise Nutrition in Beverly Hills, Florida in 1992 and for 21 years he dedicated his career to helping others through alternative sources. He became a certified nutritionist through his studies and was a member of the National Nutritional Foods Association Southeast Region Inc., completing many continuing professional education courses, keeping up with new findings on supplemental remedies. He was focused on sharing his knowledge of vitamins and herbs, many times dealing with family and friends who were rebellions on taking them.
Jim loved the outdoors, camping and hiking part of the Appalachian trail with Betty on their honeymoon. He was an avid cyclist and traveled to many places in his lifetime with his wife. He loved being on his boat and for most of his marriage spent many days and nights with Betty on Crystal River. He was a music lover and his dogs were his children. He never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor and lived life with passion. His friends remained very close to his heart, even to the end. “Diamond Jim” you will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Betty Swafford, his mother, Geraldine Swafford, a brother, Frank Mikos, a sister, Tammy Head, a half-sister, Darlene Ritter, 3 Step children, Aaron Davidson, Heather Lohrey and Sarah Gates.
Memorial Services will be private. Friends are invited to share a memory and sign his guest book below.
Diamond Jim will be very missed. Traveling with him was always an adventure and a learning experience. You left us much too soon my friend, and I promise I will start taking my vitamins that you regularly recommended!
Love Always,
The Jenerator (thanks for the nickname)
Many fun family and holiday events shared over the years! You will be missed Jim! Betty you and your family will be in my prayers!
Jimmie…you will be very missed. I was so happy to discover that I had a brother!I loved getting to know you and really admired and respected you!!! I will never forget you!!
Love You Always,
Darlene
Jim, you were loved and cherished by us all. We will never forget your laugh and your goofy personality. You were kind and warm and for the short time I had the pleasure of knowing you, I enjoyed your company. Rest in paradise Jim. You and Betty are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and sympathy,
Shawna and Ava
Jim, you were one of a kind. Remembering you and Betty on the house boat, and dinner at the Wine and Cheese, not to mention gambling back in the day. Parties at your home were always fun. Betty,if there is anything we can help with, please call. You and your family are in our thoughts at this sad time. May all your memories sustain you.
Well Jim, You are free from my poor choice of wines until we meet again, when you can give me that look of “you actually paid for this stuff?”. We will all miss the unmistakable laugh and the sincere smiles. It was fun before and shall be again, so for now, so long old friend. Betty , our thoughts and prayers go with you and yours each day.
Mark and Mary
Devistated. Jim and I were good friends….we had talked about him working with our new company soon,
as our nutritional advisor.Ironically…..My dad….worked with his grandfather in OHIO ! When Jim
and I met, about 1998 …. we quickly discovered that….and his dad also became a friend. It is bad
enough to lose a loved one, especially around the holidays……most of our family…..passed on on a
Holiday or very very near. I knew Better from the post office for a long time before I knew she was
Jim’s wife !Both great people. I will miss Jim greatly…..Richard Kelly
Jim,
I have fond childhood memories of you making me laugh, and I’m so grateful for the connection and bond that we shared recently. From a young person’s point of view, when you connect with an adult there is almost always still a barrier where you can’t see them as a whole person, they are still an “adult”. With Jim, we both saw each other as people, and that barrier didn’t exist. I’ll never forget the last meaningful conversation we had about life, and I’m so grateful for the mutual understanding we shared. I’m finally reading The Prophet now, by the way.
Rest easy, you’ll never be fogotten.
Madi
I,ve known Jim many years, he has helped me in many ways, both spiritualy and as s afriend.
You will be missed.