James Francis “Jimmie Sweat” passed away January 7, 2017. Born January 10, 1953 at Tampa General Hospital, he was the son of the late Herman Francis “Shorty” Sweat and Ravenell “Nell” Jordan Sweat of Dover.
Jimmie attended Dover Elementary School and was a 1971 Turkey Creek HS graduate where he was a proud member of the Turkey Creek Marching Band, and a FFA member.
At Dover United Methodist Church he and his wife Marylou volunteered at the Church Suppers and annual Church Bazaar a family tradition for three generations.
Jimmie farmed for many years with his beloved sister Cherri and brother-in-law Ron Clark growing Jordan Farms’ certified organic strawberries and vegetables on the old family farm bought by their grandparents in 1930. He was a member of Ironworkers Union Local 397.
He was a Ruby Woods Country Club charter member where many of his life long friends gathered most afternoons starting with a safety meeting then quaffing a few beers with good friends to retell old stories laughing till it hurt.
As a long time Florida Frontiersmen member he worked for many years as a volunteer at the Alafia River Rendezvous, and was a proud Udder Brother. Jimmie, Marylou, and daughter Jana traveled to many rendezvous around the country where they cooked and served countless meals making a multitude of life long friends.
Jimmie enjoyed reenacting early history. In 1990 he brought the Clann of the Wolf, an 18th century Scottish reenactment group, to Florida and served as their first Florida Sept Chief. He, Marylou, and Jana participated in many Seminole War, Civil War, rendezvous, and other 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, and always put a smoked turkey and pork on the Holiday tables. He enjoyed reading books about history, Florida, planes, and ships, watching old movies, and collecting all things old. Jimmie loved playing music on his D28 Martin guitar. He sang like an Angel, and will always be remembered singing around the campfire harmonizing and yodeling with his love Marylou as they sang the Night Rider's Lament…”and they've never heard ole camp cookie sing….”
Besides his parents, his brother Michael Sweat preceded him in death. Jimmie is survived by his wife and love of 37 years Marylou Sessoms Sweat, daughter Jana Atkinson, and sister Cherri Clark (Ron), Aunt Ruby Jordan, nephews and niece Mike Sweat, Michelle Sweat Ciani, Sean Sweat, Scott Sweat, Curtis Clark, and Joe Clark, cousins Rosa Memmel (Robert), Jordan, Alex, and many in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. He also had many great nephews and nieces, and his life long “brother” George Williamson.
Our hearts are broken but our love for him will never end.
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