Photo courtesy of McComas Family Funeral Homes - Bel Air
Severna Park, Maryland
Jun 7, 1923 – Apr 1, 2016 (Age 92)
James Patrick Sweeney, retired high school science teacher, died peacefully on April 1, 2016. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Dawn Lindsay, his grandson James Gregory Stonesifer and multiple nieces and nephews. James was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his wife Marian Joyce Sweeney and daughter Patricia Gayla Sweeney. James and Marian were married on September 25, 1948 and moved to Maryland in 1951. A devoted husband and loving father, James lived the life most people aspire to lead. From age 15 James desired to be a teacher. He entered the Army and once released he used the GI bill and attained his bachelor's degree from Kutztown State Teacher's College in 1951. He then attended Lehigh University graduating with a master's degree in 1955. He taught high school science at Franklin High School, Reisterstown, MD for 33 years and had the privilege of impacting the lives of thousands of students; some who were still in contact with him. He was an active member of Fallston United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and occasionally lecturing from the pulpit. He loved God, his family and his students and always put people first. Viewing will be held at McComas Funeral Home, Abingdon, MD, on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 3pm to 5pm and again from 7pm to 9pm. The burial service will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Fallston United Methodist Church, Fallston, MD. There will be a viewing at 10am and a service at 11am, with interment at Bel Air Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Following the burial, a reception will be held at Fallston United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a tax eligible donation be made to the James Sweeney Scholarship c/o Anne Arundel Community College Foundation, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012.
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Sweeneys passing. I have many fond memories of him from my High school years. He really did have an impact on many of us. What a great man. He will be missed.
Kerstin Anders
April 07, 2016
Dawn,
I am so very sorry for your loss. A daughter has a special bond with a Father and I know this will be a difficult time for you. I pray that God gives you peace. I didn't really know your Dad but it looks like he was a wonderful Dad and I know he loved you. you can just tell by the wonderful pictures that you posted on facebook.
Angie Sheldon
April 06, 2016
From the comments, it sounds like your father was a wonderful man that should be celebrated. Know that the thoughts and prayers of the college community are with you and your family during this time.Peace and Goodness to you!
AACC Colleague
April 05, 2016
Dawn, I am saddened to hear about your Dad and send my sympathy and prayers. I have fond memories of Mr. Sweeney walking the halls of Franklin High. He was an exemplary teacher and a true Gentleman. I was one of his many admirer's. Jim Eckhardt
Jim Eckhardt
April 04, 2016
I will greatly miss my conversations with Jim. He was soft spoken, loved talking sports and politics and of course, Notre Dame football. Always engaging and his homemade mac and cheese was delicious. Yes he enjoyed cooking from time to time. He was my great friend and confidant. An Irishman to the end. Above all he loved Dawn and Greg deeply, a fantastic dad and grandfather.
He hasn't travelled far, just stepped inside homes loveliest room and left the door ajar
(Ireland Calling).
Jeff Wiles
April 04, 2016
Dawn,my prayers and love go out to you and Greg. Also to Uncle Jim's extended family, friends, and students. Our great loss is Heaven's great gain.James Sweeney-Gentleman/Gentle man. I know of no person who defines the terms any better than he. A Godly man. A Service man. A Family man. A Teacher. He is with our Lord now, though we had many years for him to touch our lives, making our life, and us, a little bit better.
Beryl Saccketti
April 03, 2016
Dawn,Your Dad had a long fulfilling life. He must have told you many times that he had had a good life because he did! He took his teacher role seriously and all the students knew he was an excellent teacher teaching a hard subject. I worked extra hard BECAUSE he was one of my favorite teachers and I didn\'t want to let him down. Often he sat on my desk during testing to keep an eye on everyone. (He was keen on catching any cheaters). It made me that much more nervous with him sitting on...
Carol (Wheeler) Porter \'60
April 03, 2016
