James Sweat was born on January 9, 1951 to Rev. Elmer and Frances Sweat. He was taught of God all of his life. As James would say, "Dad Elmer would talk to us and teach us about God, and Momma Frances would put the fear of God in us". The he would laugh. He is the brother of Elmer (Barbara), Janice (deceased) and Melvin (Manuela) Sweat.
James married Sharon Sweat and they were married for 43 years. Three children, James Elmer (deceased), Barbara, and Samuel were born to their union. He loved being a husband and father, and worked and grew at both. He was a faithful son-in-law to Barbara Brown. He hoped that he was a blessing in the lives of his nephew, Jeffery (Theresa), his niece Jessica (Rodney) and his great nephews: Jeremiah and Isaiah, Cimeon (CJ), Little Rodney and Kevin.
James worked with his father and served the church family many years at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. During his years at North Texas State, he was baptized at the University Church of Christ in Denton, TX. James has been a faithful member at the Sherman Street, Gilbert Road, and Dalworth Park Churches of Christ. James loved his extended church family at Kashmere Gardens in Houston, TX. James was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and a Silver Beaver recipient from the Boy Scouts of America. He served scouting in many roles but especially loved Day Camp, Winter Camp, and the Native American programs. He was a Boy Scout of America Commissioner and helped establish and to guide many troops and packs. He was an inspector and manufacturing engineer at Otis Engineering which is now Haliburton before teaching 34 years in the Lewisville Independent School District.
James leaves three aunts: Elnora Spruiells, Ola Pearl Mitchell, and Doris Fisher; one uncle: Joe Lewis and a host of cousins, scouters, students, neighbors, and friends to celebrate his life and homegoing.
