James A. Sweet

GOWANDA

James A. Sweet of West Main Street passed away Tuesday February 13, 2018 at the Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital in North Tonawanda surrounded by family. Jim was 82 years old .

Born May 7, 1935 in Newfane, NY the son of Durward H. and Helen G. (Gardiner) Sweet. Jim graduated from Wilson Central School, Class of ‘52. He went on to the NYS College of Teaching @ Albany graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1956. Jim received his Masters degree in Counseling in the early ‘60’s from the University of Buffalo and Canisius College.

On July 13, 1957 James married the former Marcia A. Wakeman, they were married in the North Ridge Methodist Church in North Ridge, NY. Marcia survives.

Jim’s career in education spanned 37 years. He taught Chemistry at Wilson Central School before relocating to Gowanda where he served as a high school counselor, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Some of Jim’s memberships include his church, The First Presbyterian Church in Gowanda where he was a past Deacon, Elder and Trustee. At the time of his death Jim was a member of the church choir. Jim was also a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association. He was an avid antique collector and dealer of antiques and had a passion for buying and restoring antique cars.

Survivors besides his wife of nearly 61 years are his children: 2 sons Timothy (Jill) Sweet of Valencia, Pa., Brian ( Michele) Sweet of Grand Island and a daughter Mary Lou (Chris Stolarski) Sweet of Angola, NY. Jim is also survived by 5 grandchildren Meredith (Connor) Baer, Taylor, Erin, Adam Sweet and Jacob Quiter along with a brother Allen (late Virginia) Sweet of Watkins Glen and a sister Dorothy (late John) Maxfield of Wilson, NY. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center Street from 2-4 & 7-9pm on Friday. Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 17, 2018 at 1pm from the First Presbyterian Church 64 East Main Street Gowanda (please assemble at church), Rev Donna K . Lewis Officiating. Interment in the Pine Hill Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to a local charity of ones choice.
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From the Schindler Funeral Home Facebook page, February 15, 2018.