James M. Swanzy

James Monroe Swanzy, Jr., 78, died June 15, 2005, at Ochsner's Hospital in New Orleans. Mr. Swanzy was born October 28, 1926. He was a lifelong resident of the Coast. Mr. Swanzy was an senior deacon of Heritage Baptist Church, Woolmarket, and a member of Masonic Magnolia Lodge #120 F&AM. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents, James M. and Georgia Payne Swanzy and by his loving and devoted wife, Henrietta Fayard Swanzy. Mr. Swanzy is survived by his wife, Marian O'Hara Swanzy of Woolmarket; seven children and their spouse: Walter James Swanzy of Vancleave; Pamela Suerstedt of Biloxi; Bruce Swanzy and wife, Sheila of St. Martin; Myra Polk and husband, Curtis of D'lberville; Troy Swanzy and wife, Julie of Mexico; Lea Cuevas and husband, Byran of Woolmarket; and John Suerstedt of New York. He is also survived by five sisters and a brother: Mary Kane, Elisabeth Ball, Thelma Hall, Grace Fox, Dorothy Ladnier, Katherine Griffin, and John A. Swanzie. He is survived by 11 grandchildren and their famlies including seven great-grandchildren: Clint Swanzy, wife Leslie and sons Hunter and Peyton; Luke Swanzy, wife Monica, daughter Megan and son Luke Henry; Kelly Swanzy; Chad Bauer; Tracy Suerstedt Decker and husband, Randy; Jason Suerstedt and wife Christa; Curtis "Curt" Polk, wife Nikki, son C.J. and daughter Brittany; Dustin Polk and wife Amber; Jeremy Swanzy and wife Nicole and daughter Karli; Amber Pavlov; and Aimee Pavlov. He was looking forward to the November 2005 birth of Dustin's child, his eighth great grandchild. Mr. Swanzy is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families, his church family, and many dear friends. He leaves behind a legacy of true goodness, love and compassion for all whose lives he touched. He had a special affection for young people and every day he prayed devoutly and sincerely for the youth of the world. Services will be held Friday, June 17, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:00p.m.