May 20, 2025

Georgetown Community Remembers Influential Figures

News Summary

The Georgetown community is mourning the loss of J.B. Swindell and Bart Madeley, two beloved individuals who made significant impacts in their families and the wider community. J.B., a dedicated military veteran, was known for his hospitality and love for his family, while Bart was a talented musician renowned for his kindness and musical contributions. Memorial services for both will celebrate their legacies and the joy they brought to those around them.

Georgetown, Texas – The community is mourning the loss of two beloved figures, Jeneral Benjamin Swindell, Jr. (J.B.) and Barton Shaw Madeley (Bart), who both passed away earlier this year, leaving behind their families and friends to remember their impactful lives.

J.B. Swindell, aged 83, died on May 15, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Kathy Olson, their daughter Michelle Berryman, and her husband Mason Berryman. J.B. also leaves behind his cherished dogs, Kuba and Dolly Parton, along with numerous extended family members and friends. A memorial service is planned for May 31, 2025, at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, where a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Take Me Home Transport, a charity dedicated to pet adoptions.

Bart Madeley, affectionately known as Bart, passed away at age 68 on January 9, 2025. He is remembered for his kind heart and exceptional musical talent. He is survived by his beloved wife Sara Hansen Madeley, along with their two sons Bart Jr. and Sam Hunter Madeley. His memorial service is set for January 18 at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home and will include music and shared memories. Contributions in Bart’s memory can be made to Brookwood in Georgetown, an organization he deeply valued.

Legacy of J.B. Swindell

J.B. Swindell was born and raised in Ludowici, Georgia, graduating from Ludowici High School in 1959 where he was a key player on the basketball team that reached the state finals, showcasing not only athletic talent but also a strong sense of community spirit. Following high school, he attended Brewton Parker College.

His career began with positions in the Georgia Prison System and at General Motors in Atlanta. In 1963, shortly after marrying, he enlisted in the Georgia National Guard, graduating from the Georgia Military Institute in 1966. J.B. dedicated 26 years to military service, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1989 after serving in Vietnam and on two tours in Europe.

He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1974 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1977. After retiring from the military, J.B. became a defense contractor, supporting troops across various states and countries. Known for his hospitality, J.B. loved to grill and had an open-door policy for friends and family, often sharing laughter and delightful fishing stories.

The Life of Bart Madeley

Bart Madeley was born on March 2, 1956, in San Benito, Texas, with early education in the region before moving to Houston, where he attended Memorial High School. Despite his father’s wishes for him to pursue a different profession, Bart forged a path in music, becoming a professional guitarist at a young age.

In the mid-1970s, he moved to Austin and made a name for himself, performing at well-known venues such as Auditorium Shores and Blues on the Green. Bart’s musical talent and kind demeanor earned him a broad circle of friends and admirers within the local community.

Community Impact

Both J.B. and Bart left significant legacies in Georgetown and beyond. J.B. was known for his military service, dedication to family, and the joyous gatherings he hosted, while Bart is remembered for the love and music he shared with those around him. Their contributions to the community and the cherished memories they created will continue to inspire and resonate within their families and friends.

As the community comes together to honor their legacies, both men will be remembered fondly for the lives they touched and the joy they brought to those who knew them.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.