James R. "Shorty" Swindell, 72, of Salem, died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Osage Beach Health Care Center.

He was born Dec. 1, 1930, in Bell City to Charles and Arlie Mae Swindell. In 1950 he married Doris Powers.

He worked as an over-the-road truck driver.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris; children, Doyle Swindell of Warsaw, Sondra Epperly of Chicago, Ill., Don Swindell of Osage Beach, Rena Hindman of Mililani, Hawaii, and James Swindell of Salem; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Don Swindell; and one sister, Eloise Mann.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at Spencer Funeral Home in Salem.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at the Spencer Funeral Home.