James "Jim" Sweeney

James Richard Sweeney, 80 years old, Clio, MI died April 4, 2024
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grand Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend.
Honoring James' wishes, cremation will take place. Mass of Resurrection will be held 11AM Thursday, May 16, 2024, at SS. Charles and Helena Church - 230 E Vienna St., in Clio. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10AM until the time of Mass.
James (Jim) was born on June 21, 1943, in Flint, MI to Richard Vincent Sweeney and Inda Winifred Riness. Jim was the middle of five children with two older sisters; Grace Sweeney and Rita (Murray); a younger brother John and younger sister Ruth (McMunigal) The family lived across the street from St. Mary's Catholic Church and School where he and his siblings were enrolled from elementary through high school. Jim was tall, thin and loved sports.
After high school Jim attended Flint Junior college. Jim met Dorothy Anderson, the love of his life at the old St. Joe's Hospital in Flint where he worked as an orderly and she was a nurse. He loved to tell stories of how they met, how he got up the courage to ask her out even though she pretended to have a boyfriend to keep the suitors at bay. Jim and Dorothy were married on June 29, 1963, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Flint.
Jim and Dorothy lived next door to his parents on Maplewood Ave in Flint, the first year of their marriage before they moved a few blocks away to Dakota Street. Jim was working for General Motors at this time. They went on to have three children, Rick, Michelle, and Dale. Before their oldest son Rick went to kindergarten, they moved their little family to Clio. Their children meant the world to them, and Jim and Dorothy were extremely active in their children's lives.
Jim worked for GM for 38 years. He started in production and went on to complete his electrical apprenticeship. He worked as a journeyman electrician for a short time before he went into management for the company as a maintenance supervisor. He especially loved the common bond he shared with his daughter Michelle who was also a journeyman electrician.
Jim was a long-time member of SS Charles and Helena Catholic Church in Clio. While his wife Dorothy was alive, he also attended the Methodist church and especially like to go to bible study with here. He loved to tell the stories about others trying to trip him up on his faith and knowledge of the bible. Jim and Dorothy were part of a "Clio luncheon club" where a group of friends from church would meet at a different fast-food restaurant every weekday for lunch. Sadly, all the original members have passed away.
The first four winters after Dorothy died, Jim spent in Apache Junction, AZ, until major health changes stopped him from traveling.
Everyone who knew Jim knew how much he loved woodworking and carving. He made oak cradles for his first two grandchildren, taking the time to turn each spindle of wood. He also made rocking horses with hopes they would be passed down for generations. One Christmas he made hand carved handheld mirrors for each of the ladies in the family and another Christmas he made everyone a carved box with each child/grandchild's name on it to store their special belongings in. Jim loved to carve birds and has given a few away to family and friends. He also made wooden Christmas decorations and crosses.
Jim enjoyed going to lunch with his long-time neighbor and friend Ed Keith Bowman. Ed would come over and drive them in Jim's Buick when Jim was no longer able to drive himself. Ed continued to visit Jim when he moved into Cranberry Park Assisted Living home in Clio, bringing him meals that he cooked himself or would pick a meal up from one of their favorite spots to eat at.
When Jim became homebound, he would receive weekly Eucharist brought to him by Bert from St. Charles and Helena. Jim enjoyed their weekly time of conversation and prayer.
He is survived by children, Richard (Natalie) Sweeney, Michelle (Tim) Humphreys, and Dale (Amy) Sweeney. Grandchildren, Josiah Sweeney, Timothy Humphreys, Katie Humphreys, Joshua Sweeney, Marissa Sweeney, Hannah Sweeney, Jason (Harley) Humphreys, Dustin Humphreys, Roman, and great-grand daughter Georgia Humphreys.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents Richard and Inda Winifrid Sweeney, and his sister Grace Sweeney.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to educational funds at: Church of the Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Blanc, MI or Cardinal Wishes (hospice care) 6907 Westside Saginaw Road, Bay City, MI 48706.