Mr. James Earnshaw Sweat died at TRMC on May 2, 2014.

The world offers conflicting views of what being a man is all about. Some say that being a man requires grit, square-jawed determination, a working knowledge of weaponry, etc. Others say that manliness is about getting in touch with one's feelings, caring for the less fortunate, and being sensitive. Still others would include leadership skills, a good work ethic, physical stature, riches and prowess. James Earnshaw Sweat, whom we honor, is all of the above. But to know the meaning of a true man, one needs to look no further than the life of Jesus Christ. As the Son of Man, Jesus is the epitome of manhood, the perfect example of what true maturity looks like. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and lived in complete dependence on and obedience to the will of God. Christ fully displayed the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A true man of God will show evidence of these works of the Spirit as well. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). According to these verses, a true man is vigilant against danger, faithful to the truth, brave in the face of opposition, persistent through trials, and, above all, loving. A true man is someone who has "put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11). A true man knows what is right and stands firm in the right. A true man is a godly man. He loves the Lord, he loves life, and he loves those whom the Lord has entrusted to his care. Mr. James Earnshaw Sweat aspired, worked and lived as a true man.
On June 16, 1932, James Earnshaw Sweat was the God-given bundle of joy to Mr. Gillison Benjamin Franklin Sweat and Ms. Louise B. McKune Sweat in Holly Hill, SC. With the love, affection, strength, guidance and discipline from his parents, he began growing into the love and knowledge of the Lord thy God at Target AME Church in Holly Hill, SC. His fellowship continued with Target AME into its transition to Greater Target AME Church.

As a young boy, Bro. Sweat attended Holly Hill public schools. In the eighth grade, his interest in carpentry was sparked, and it was to become his life's craft. He graduated from Roberts High School in 1950. Bro. Sweat enlisted into the United States Army on March 9, 1953 in Columbia, SC and served in the Korean War. While in the military, he was decorated and awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, Bro. Sweat pursued his interest and love in Carpentry. He pursued his studies at Voorhees College and Denmark Technical College in Denmark, SC. In the latter part of the 1950's, Bro. Sweat moved to Elloree, SC where he obtained employment at the Elloree Veneer Plant for a number of years.

In 1969, Bro. Sweat returned to his high school alma mater to inspire, infuse and promote the art of carpentry to others through teaching. In this capacity, he educated many young men and woman with valuable skills which were to become a life's work for some but undoubtedly a usable skill for all he taught. While at Roberts High, he continued his studies at South Carolina State University, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina further perfecting his knowledge, skills and abilities in the art of carpentry, plumbing and electricity. Bro. Sweat educated hundreds of young men in Vocational Education at Roberts High School for approximately 13 years. After his departure of Robert High School, Bro. Sweat decided to become his own boss pursued carpentry full time. He did it all—from building houses to minor repairs. He possessed the mind of an engineer. He built a clientele base of hundreds who respected his skill and talent, and remained loyal and dedicated to him throughout his years. Along with his son, Jerrell, he formed a lasting work partnership and friendship of honor and respect with both Bro. Enoch J. Bonaparte and Mr. Harry Way.

In the late 1980's, Bro. Sweat became a member of Union AME Church in Elloree, SC. He became an intricate and vital member of the congregation bringing not only his knowledge, skills and abilities in carpentry, plumbing and electricity, but also his desire to help and serve others, and his compassion and love for his fellow man. He also brought his wisdom, passion to the church. Bro. Sweat was nominated to Union AME's Trustee Board by Bro. Willie Sam Adams, Jr. Bro. Adams stated that "James is a jack of all trades. Mr. Sweat knows what to do." And, Bro. Sweat replied," I would be a good one too." He honored his word. He was also the church's custodian and carpenter/handy man. Bro. Sweat worked diligently in the name of the Lord to maintain the cleanliness and physical operation of the church. He believed that one could not only tithe their finance to the Lord, but one can also tithe their talent and their time to the Lord free of charge to the church.

Bro. Sweat met Mildred Martin at the beginning of the 1960's. He worked and proved he could provide the basic leadership, physical, and emotional needs a husband gives to a wife. They formed a relationship which was to become a life-long, loving bond. On December 14, 1963, James and Mildred made their bond legal and one of holy matrimony. Devoted to his wife and his children, Bro. Sweat laid solid foundation of love, courage, honor, respect, faith in God, trust in God, strength, care, compassion, knowledge, stability, good work ethic and of having a "Good Name".

On May 17, 1972, his son Carl D. Martin preceded him in death. On December 13, 2012, his loving son and "right hand" Jerrell G. Sweat preceded him in death.

To cherish his precious memories, honor his life and carry on his legacy, Bro. Sweat leaves behind his adoring and loving wife Mildred L. Sweat; his loving daughters – Loumish Martin of the home; Sandra K. Void, Elloree, SC; Carol D. Martin, Columbus, GA; and Abbie D. Sweat; Washington, DC; his loving sons – Jezreel M. Sweat, Fairfax, VA; Jason L. Sweat, Phenix City, AL; Ricky Sweat, Santee, SC; and Ronnie Gilmore, Columbia, SC. His adoring granddaughters -- Adrienne Void, Avis M. Void, Sheree M. Martin, Cassandra D. Void, Anastasia L. Void; his adoring great-granddaughters -- Laila M. Collier and Emery J. Void-Goode; his loving grandsons – Tetris Juwan Sweat, Terence Jakobe Sweat, Jyron D. Sweat, Jordon D. Sweat and Marcus Sweat; his remarkable little great-grandson – Gavin Barack Collier; his special daughter in-law – Karen C. Sweat, Columbus, GA; his daughter in-law – Sonya Sweat, Phenix City, AL; his dear and special son in-law – Harold Void, Elloree, SC; his loving sister – Mary S. Pooser Hunt of Holly Hill, SC; his loving brother – Benjamin Sweat of Holly Hill, SC. He will be truly missed by an enormous host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and all of his clients and people of the community who grow to love and respect him for his craft, wisdom and manhood. He will also be truly missed by the surrogate family to the Sweats – Marcus Bradley, Erica Bradley, Aubrey Bradley and Nigel Bradley. Little Aubrey and Nigel affectionately called him "Granddaddy".

Bro. Sweat was an open-minded and easy-going man who desired to enjoy each moment of life. He was enthusiastic and enjoyed doing something new and exciting; and his enthusiasm was often infectious to those in his presence. He easily impressed others with his wit and humor, leaving one entertained. Besides his spontaneity, he had a natural charm. A wide variety of subjects interest him, and hence, he tried his hands at many different things. He was talented and multi-faceted. Bro. Sweat was blessed with excellent communication skills. He was always interested in learning about as many subjects as he could. He was indeed an intellectual and analytical in thought. His smart and sharp mind and his courage did not afford him to shy away from voicing his opinions. He was outspoken. He stood for right and spoke up for right even if he had to stand alone doing it. He always kept his back straight! God shared His precious gift to the world for a time. And, we are much better for it. Now, He has called him home to rejoice eternally.

Funeral services are scheduled at 1:30 PM Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Union AME Church with Rev. Stanley Rivers, Pastor officiating.  The body will be placed in the church at 12:30 PM.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation at the funeral home is scheduled from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, May 9, 2014.

Friends may call at 133 Moorer Drive, Elloree and at the funeral home.