Swift being honored for 50 years of service, not retiring

Jimmy Swift

In an age where the average employee changes jobs every five years, at 10 times that tenure, Jimmy Swift is in a league of his own.

Swift has been with Hunter Funeral Home, in Sparta, for 50 years. It is even more incredible that he has worked on “the strip,” as he referred to Bockman Way, for about 70 years. Swift started at Nelson Drug Store, which later became Officer Drugs and was located where the Veterans Park now stands. He went on to manage a dollar store for five years before buying and running Tip Top Cleaners until he sold it. After selling the cleaners, he asked J.B. Hunter Sr. if he needed any part-time help. The following Saturday, Hunter called Swift to work. He has been with Hunter Funeral Home ever since.

Swift is a licensed funeral director. However, he has done almost every job available at the funeral home, including digging graves, erecting tents, and death calls. He has traveled to other states for work. He was available all hours of the day and night as needed. Swift has worked at funerals in various types of weather. He has participated in funerals of many different styles and sizes. He has comforted and supported the residents of White County as they have faced some of their most trying and heartbreaking times.

Swift is respected by the community for his professionalism, which is tempered with compassion. When talking with Swift, it is evident how much he loves providing a needed service to his hometown and working with the Hunter family. He proudly commented that he still has the key to the front door that J.B. Hunter Sr. gave him during his first week on the job.

Swift is the father of three girls and two boys. He has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A lifelong resident of White County, he was born and raised in the Bear Cove community and graduated from White County High School. Swift may not be as spry as he once was, but he won’t let that stop him. He plans to stay busy doing what he loves for as long as possible.

Swift will be honored for his 50 years of service, 1-3 p.m., June 25, at Hunter Funeral Home. The event is open to the public, and he looks forward to seeing many friendly faces.

When asked if this was also a retirement party, Swift just smiled and said, “No way.”