James R. Sweatt, III

Age 80, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 29, 2005. Jim was born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi on December 22, 1924, son of the late Ross and Nettie (nee Bunch) Sweat, II. When Jim turned seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served from 1941 to 1946. On April 4, 1944, he married the former Joyce Schultz in St. Louis, Missouri; she survives. Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim raced stock cars on local tracks and in Mexico. After moving to Medina in 1954, he worked for several different companies until he entered the construction field. Jim became a member of Local #139 of the Operating Engineers on July 23, 1965. He was a proud union member for some thirty-nine years, and also worked as a business agent and dispatcher. In 1973, he was named Engineer of the Year. Jim was instrumental in the planning and implementation of youth baseball in Medina and was the Troup Leader for Boy Scout Troup #83. He was and active member of the Appleton Yacht Club since 1977, and achieved lifetime membership. Jim was also a life member of the N.R.A., the V.F.W., and enjoyed hunting, fishing, building Fords, and the company of his dog “Thumper” and his talking bird “Petri.” Those who knew Jim will also remember him as an accomplished chef.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years: Joyce Sweatt of Medina; a son: Ross (Deborah) Sweatt of Medina; four grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren: Katina and her children Eden, Grace, Alyssa, and Noah; Stephanie (Lance) and their children Jake, Jasmine, and Isaiah; Jodie and her sons Isaac and Joey; James V (Melissa) and their children Mercedes and James VI; and uncle: Malcolm (June) Bunch; and aunt: Winnie Johnson; and a cousin: Ashley Bunch; as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 4, 2005 at the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Freddie Kirk officiating. Interment will be in Dale Union Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. John Elisberg and his staff, to the wonderful people at Theda Care at Home, especially Debbie, Marie, and Jamie. Thanks also to Pastor Freddie for her many visits and countless prayers, and to Jim’s oldest great-grandchild Eden, for the special care she gave Pops during his illness.

He was called to the Great Construction Site by the Head Dispatcher to fill one last seat.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231