James Sweeney Obituary

Ann Roberts '63 said:

After a long battle with COPD and other ailments, Jimmy Sweeney passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 80.

He experienced many things over his lifetime. He served his country in the US Army, where he was stationed in the Dominican Republic, and he met his ex-wife and mother of his children, Merceditas. He served his county as a Fairfax County Police officer, among other jobs along the way, and was ultimately a career civil servant in the U.S. Federal Government from where he retired at a relatively young age. As a result, he was able to enjoy many years of retirement doing the things he wanted to do before illness took over such as travel, work at his home, play golf, listening to Dean Martin and other “50s” music, and spend time with family and friends.

He was a life-long Herndon resident and as he said many times wherever his travels took him “Herndon is home” where he always lived within (as he would say) “rock throwin’ distance” of his beloved sister, Patsy and nephews Mike and Chris. Jimmy and Patsy took care of each other in many ways and succeeded in ways no one ever thought possible from their humble beginnings, they were always close until the day he passed. He was so proud of her and her boys.

A graduate of Herndon High School Class of ’63, one of his most cherished activities was to get together with classmates at the Annual Multi-Year Class Reunion “out at the river”. He maintained childhood friendships until the very end with a visit from his oldest friend, Bob Sevila, the night he passed.

He was an excellent athlete playing baseball, basketball, and football for Herndon High School. Later in life he enjoyed playing golf, but always said it wasn’t about playing the game, but the camaraderie with his buddies.

Also, later in life he became a member of the Catholic Church and was a regular parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Herndon. His good friend and church sponsor, John Palaszczuk was also able to talk to him over the phone before his passing. He was a member of other fellowships where he met many good people who were also considered good friends. Jimmy had a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious laugh.

Jimmy was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. The deepest love of his life was his granddaughter, Loren. But he loved all of his family immensely and was so very proud of every single one of them and their accomplishments! He is survived by his three daughters: Patricia Sweeney and granddaughter Loren Collado; Angela Sweeney (son-in-law Augusto Rivas) and grandsons Augusto José, Alejandro, Arturo and Armando Rivas Sweeney; and Alicia Sweeney (son-in-law Lorenzo Piña) and grandsons Jimmy, Alfonso and Lorenzo Piña Sweeney; his sister Patricia Woofter (née Sweeney) and nephews Michael Watts and Christopher Woofter and his sons Joshua, Cody and Austin Woofter.