James "Jim" Sweeney

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.