James Francis "Jimmie" Sweat
James Francis “Jimmie” Sweat, 63, died Jan. 7, 2017.
Born Jan. 10, 1953, at Tampa General Hospital, he was the son of the late Herman Francis “Shorty” Sweat and Ravenell “Nell” Jordan Sweat, of Dover. He attended Dover Elementary School and was a 1971 Turkey Creek High School graduate, where he was a proud member of the Turkey Creek Marching Band and an FFA member. He and his wife, Marylou, volunteered at Dover United Methodist Church through church suppers and the annual church bazaar, a family tradition for three generations. He was a member of Ironworkers Union Local 397. He also was a charter member of Ruby Woods Country Club, where many of his lifelong friends gathered most afternoons, starting with a safety meeting and then quaffing a few beers with good friends to retell old stories, laughing until it hurt.
He farmed for many years with his beloved sister, Cherri, and brother-in-law, Ron Clark. They grew Jordan Farms’ certified organic strawberries and vegetables on the old family farm bought by their grandparents in 1930. As a longtime Florida Frontiersmen member, he worked for many years as a volunteer at the Alafia River Rendezvous, and was a proud Udder Brother.
He enjoyed reenacting early history. He and his family participated in many Seminole and Civil War reenactments throughout Florida. He was very proud of his Southern heritage. Throughout the years, he smoked the best meats and fish in one of his many handcrafted smokers. He enjoyed reading books about history, Florida, planes and ships, collecting antiques and watching old movies. He loved playing music on his D28 Martin guitar. He will always be remembered singing around the campfire, harmonizing and yodeling with his wife.
He is survived by his wife and love of 37 years, Marylou Sessoms Sweat; daughter, Jana Atkinson; sister, Cherri Clark (Ron); aunt, Ruby Jordan; nephews, Mike Sweat, Sean Sweat, Scott Sweat, Curtis Clark and Joe Clark; niece, Michelle Sweat Ciani; and cousins, Rosa Memmel (Robert), Jordan and Alex; lifelong “brother,” George Williamson; and many other great-nephews, great-nieces, family and friends throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
