- Born on: October 13, 1918
- Departed on: January 6, 2006
James E. Swift
James(Jim) E. Swift, 87, a resident of Cottage Grove Place, 2115 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, died Friday, January 6th, 2006 following a lengthy illness. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Jim was born on October 13th, 1918 in Mt. Vernon, IA , the son of Glenn and Leona(Young) Swift. Jim lived a life of extraordinary experiences. He graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids where he was very involved in sports. He went on to Cornell College and later the University of Idaho. He made his way to Hollywood, CA where he found work as a movie extra and fell in love with the California lifestyle. He worked with and for some of the biggest names in Hollywood during the 40s, 50s & 60s. He became and advertising and public relations executive and later co-owned a flower shop in trendy Brentwood, CA where they had many movie star clients. Jim retired to Cedar Rapids in 1993. He was in his later years a huge fan of all sports, a voracious reader, gourmet cook, and an enthusiastic storyteller. He was a world traveler and told colorful stories of his experiences traveling and working in the movie industry. Jim is survived by his two nieces Linda Stephens of Cedar Rapids, IA and Cheryle Mitchell of Robins, IA and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Leona and a brother Ward Swift and business partner and friend Tony Albert. Memorial may be directed to the family. Arrangements are being handled by The Cremation Society of Eastern-Western-Central Iowa.