BOSSIER CITY – On the evening of Monday February 23, 2015, Reverend James E. Sweeney passed peacefully from this life, and went home to be with the LORD. Reverend Sweeney was born on June 16, 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana becoming a life long citizen of Bossier City, Louisiana. He is a graduate of Bossier Colored and Charlotte Mitchell High School, later obtaining a Bachelors degree in Theology from Shreveport Bible College. Reverend Sweeney not only loved God but he loved his country and served it well. He traveled around the world as a Sergeant in the United States Army shortly after the Korean War. Some of his most memorable assignments involved tours in Fort Sill, OK, Fort Eustis, VA and Fort Bliss, TX.
Answering a call to the ministry he pastored Rocky Mount Baptist Church for 23 faithful years having dedicated a total of 32 years to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and mentoring many young preachers.
Reverend Sweeney served as one of the first Black Police Officers in Bossier City for approximately 10 years. He later was employed by the Bossier Parish School System as a Bus Driver, and retired with 37 years of service. During his tenure he served as a mentor to inspire many young people to succeed in life. He was an active community leader and a founder of the Bossier Concerned Citizens and the first chapter of the Bossier NAACP. He participated in many events to help uplift his community.
Preceded him in death were his parents, Reverend and Mrs. Louis Sweeney and six siblings. He leaves to cherish his memories: His loving wife of 55 years Blondie J. Sweeney; children – Yvette Sweeney Pugh (Huey), Arlington, TN, Colonel (R) Eric Sweeney (Maya), U.S. Army Ida, La; Major (R) James Sweeney, Jr., U.S. Army Fort Hood, TX; and Harriet Sweeney Brewer (Erick), Fort Hood, TX, Jennifer Wright (Chester), CA; Alisa Rounds, CO; two sisters – (Betty M. Jones of San Antonio, TX, Willie S. Blackshire of Bossier City, La. He (Big Daddy) will be greatly missed by his grand and great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Services for Reverend Sweeney will be held on February 28, 2015 at 10:00 am at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church 809 Hamilton Road in Bossier City, La. 71111. Visitation hours are from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (February 27) at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport, La. and 9:00 am to 10:00 am (February 28) at Bossier Missionary Baptist Church.
Harold was a great man, who loved his wife and children. Moreover, he loved God and Barrack Obama. We had many debates on politics and religion. Subjects he simply loved. He was a hard working man, who also loved to fish and hunt. Both of his sons were military officers in the US Army, serving in the most recents wars. He was my uncle.
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