James Patrick Sweeney

James Patrick Sweeney, 76, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, March 22nd, 2024, at his family home in Bethesda, MD, following a battle with lung cancer. His four sons were at his side. Jim was the elder of two sons born to the late Patrick Joseph Sweeney and Edna F Sweeney (Murphy) in Bayonne, New Jersey on August 22nd, 1947.

After graduating from Marist High School in Bayonne in 1965, where he was an accomplished runner and captain of the track team, he moved to Washington, DC to attend The Catholic University of America and study chemical engineering. In 1972, he began working for the District of Columbia Department of the Environment, where he would hold various roles over the course of a rewarding career spanning 46 years, retiring in 2018 as Chief of the Land Remediation and Development Branch. Jim also worked as a cashier at Safeway on Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda for 15 years, where he was a kind and familiar face to those in the community.

Jim resided in Bethesda since 1979, and in his family home on Huntington Parkway since 1983. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes in Bethesda where his sons attended grade school. At OLOL he long served as Eucharistic Minister and for several years as CYO Treasurer. He coached his sons’ baseball, basketball, and soccer teams numerous times. He was also an active community member at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in NE DC where his sons attended from 1994 through 2009.

Jim had a reserved nature, but a distinct charm. A proficient storyteller with a timely and wry wit, he would recount detailed anecdotes that informed a colorful past and present. He was an interesting and intelligent man who could finish the daily Washington Post crossword in only minutes and almost always had answers for his sons’ many questions. He was a concertgoer and loved his music - classic rock and the oldies, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and of course, the Boss. Pizza was his favorite food, and with his best friend, he once co-authored a review of the local pizza scene published by the Post in the late 70s. He enjoyed simple pleasures and was a creature of habit, relishing the stillness of the early morning with coffee and the paper, and the evening with late night TV or the end of the game.

Jim, with his wife Cathy, built a home full of love and laughter, frequent chaos, but always faithfulness and forgiveness. Rarely one to voice his frustrations, he was no stranger to life’s struggles and shallows and was a prostate cancer survivor in his late 40’s. At that point, his life had given way to its main purpose – raising his boys. He more than accommodated their sports obsession, especially baseball, and it was a major bond. He enjoyed trips to Camden Yards or Nats Park but preferred a lawn chair or the bleachers at his sons’ games. Not often outwardly affectionate, he was still a source of tenderness and always lent an ear. His gentle presence was a constant in their lives. He was their ride to school, to and from practice, and on many hours-long vacation drives over the years. Later, he remained the chosen companion for many of life’s situations. He was their first call when in need of help. He set an example: one of fulfilling responsibilities, never confusing right and wrong, and of understanding actions have consequences. He was decent and dependable, never judgmental or disparaging. He honored his family through his hard work and his caring for them. This last fight with cancer revealed a toughness previously taken for granted. In his full life, he took comfort and joy in family and friends. And in his final days, “Pop” lit up in the presence of his three adoring grandchildren whom he cherished immensely. Dad, you will be deeply missed. We’ll carry you with us, always.

Jim is survived by his sons Matthew James Sweeney (Katie), Kevin Christopher Sweeney (Mary), Michael Patrick Sweeney (Emily), and Sean William Sweeney; his grandchildren Jack William Sweeney, Emma Grace Sweeney and Owen Patrick Sweeney; his brother Brian Sweeney of Bayonne; his sisters-in-law Connie Lazzaro of Cromwell, CT and Marianne Carroll (Tim) of North Windham, CT, his brother-in-law PJ Roberts (Irene) of New Britain, CT; his nieces and nephews, and cousins in New Jersey and Ireland. In addition to his parents and many aunts and uncles, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cathy Roberts Sweeney.

A visitation for both Jim and his wife Cathy will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5-8 PM at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.

A joint funeral service will be held on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7500 Pearl St, Bethesda, MD 20814. There will be a repast immediately following the mass at Rock Creek Mansion, 5417 West Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

In lieu of flowers you are encouraged to make a gift to The Scholarship Endowment at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in his memory: https://ssl.charityweb.net/saintanselms/

Or donate in his name to organizations that he supported over the years:

St Joseph’s Indian School: http://stjo.org

Vietnam Veterans of America: https://vva.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad: https://donate.bccrs.org

Annual Fund Donation – Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School: https://bethesda-lourdes.org