James R. Swann Jr. "Buzzy" of Bowie, MD transitioned September 4, 2025.

James Russell Swann, Jr., affectionately known as "Buzzy," transitioned to eternal life on his birthday, September 4, 2025. Born in Charles County, Maryland, to the late James Russell, Sr. and Ruth Theresa (Gray) Swann, he was the second of seventeen children.

Buzzy was educated through the Charles County Public School System. He devoted many years to his professional life, first working for the Washington Navy Yard and later for the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA), from which he retired in 2012. Throughout his career, he was known as a hard worker who rarely missed a day of work.

On January 10, 2001, he married Lavett, his beloved wife. Their union was marked by deep love, joy, and shared adventures-finding happiness in simple moments together.

He was a father to his children: Yvonne Dyson; Russell (Janelle) Swann; Charmia Swann; Nakita Bourn; and the late Tyrell Swann. He was a loving grandfather to Mark Brown, Sean Brown, Quincy Barringtine, Naomi Swann, Russell Swann Jr. ("RJ"), Tenashia Swann, Ahman Swann, Jayden Quick, Daijon Bourn, Dereon Bourn, Kevin Oliver, and Kenzo Bourn. His great-grandchildren-Marc Brown Jr., London Brown, Alejandro Brown, Nathan Brown, Taylor Brown, Elijah Brown, Legend Barringtine, and Kobe Elias Brown-brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tyrell Swann; his wife, Lavett; his parents; and several siblings: Paul Gregory "Stormy" Swann; Dennis Swann; Dean Swann; Dwight Swann; and Virginia Lee Phillips.

He is survived by his siblings Jean (George), Arthur (Nan), Rania, Baron (Cheryl), Jason, Roslyn (Arthur), Paula, Ricky, Robin (Rick), and Hope; as well as extended family, friends, nieces, and nephews.

Buzzy's life was rich with joy, laughter, and love. He took delight in hosting family cookouts-where he showed off his skill at grilling and even cooking chitlins-and these gatherings were filled with music and stories, nourishing bonds across generations. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, his dogs, fishing, traveling, watching sports, especially rooting for the Redskins/Commanders, and listening to old school music.

Raised in the Catholic Church as a youth, he converted to Christianity in adulthood, embracing a faith that grounded him. He will be remembered for his love, strength, faithful work ethic, and quiet yet steady presence in the lives of those he loved.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, September 20th  from 9am until time of funeral service at 11am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.

On Saturday, September 20th at 12:00pm please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream