James B. Swindal was born on 18 August 1917 in West Blocton, Alabama, USA. He was married to Emily Glover. He died on 25 April 2006 in Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA.
Swindal was selected as aircraft commander for Air Force One (the presidential aircraft) in 1960. He retired from the Air Force in 1971 and resided in Cocoa Beach with his wife until his death.