James Brenton Sweet

It is with profound sadness we announce that James Brenton Sweet, 61, of South Alton, passed away at home surrounded by those he loved most on August 23, 2023 after a hard, courageous fight with cancer.

James was born to Albert and Rona (McDow) Sweet on January 14, 1962. In his youth he played hockey, ran track and field and met the woman who would become the love of a lifetime, Michele. James and Michele (Russell) had a love for the books. They were inseparable for 46 years, and a true testament to "in sickness and in health" as Michele never left his side and even at the moment of his passing, she was still right there beside him holding his hand.

James spent 47 years of his life working at Scotian Gold, starting there as a teenager, and was recognized for his hard work and dedication many times over. An avid horseman and active in the agricultural industry, James was the happiest when he had mud on his boots, grease on his coveralls and dirt under his nails. He could often be found in the pulling ring with his son Brenton, his brother Vance, and the other members of the draft horse and oxen community who are sure to miss him dearly.

James is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Rona (McDow) Sweet; brother, Gordon (Bernice) Sweet; and mother-in-law, Dianne Russell. He is survived by his loving wife Michele (Russell) Sweet; daughter, Amber (Adam and Brailynn) Sweet and son, Brenton Sweet. He is also survived by brothers, Leon (Karen) Sweet, Vance (Dot) Sweet, Robert Sweet, Lyndon Sweet; and sister Roxene (Wayne) Brown and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. James also leaves behind a grandson, Logan, who loved his Papa dearly and was fortunate to have spent James’ last few days in his company as well. He will also be missed by his dog Rosie, who joined James very early on in his journey and brought him happiness and company that he didn’t know he needed.

A full table, a good joke, a wise crack, and a big family were some of the things James held dear to his heart and true to his nature, he found himself surrounded with all those things even on his last day with us. Amber and Brenton would like to give special thanks to Michele’s sister, Tanya (Craig) Beaver, brother, Kevin Russell, father, Avery Russell, and Vance Sweet who made sure that James and Michele had company both at the table and at James’ bedside over the last few weeks especially. Also, thanks to Doctor Alwin Jeyakumar, the Oncology Department at the Valley Regional and the palliative care staff at NS Health Authority.

There will be no visitation at James’ request and in lieu of a funeral his family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life this coming Tuesday, August 29 from 6-8pm at the White Family Funeral Home in Kentville, NS. Private family interment to follow at a later date. Donations in James’ memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.

"Love doesn’t die, People do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, Give me away."

– Merrit Malloy