James Ignatius Sweeney passed peacefully August 31, 2018. Born November 12, 1924, in Tacoma, Washington, James was the first of seven for Mae (Hurley) Sweeney and James Sweeney. He attended St. Leo's grade school and Bellarmine High School in Tacoma until 1939, when his family moved to Olympia, where he attended St. Martin's High School and College. He went on to earn a BSEE degree at the University of Washington and completed Midshipman's School at Notre Dame.   James served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 and during the Korean War, 1951-1953, honorably discharged as a 1 ^st Lt.

After discharge from the Navy in 1946, James joined General Electric, working first in Test Engineering in Ft. Wayne, Syracuse and Baltimore and ending with the Nuclear Energy Division in San Jose where he was Manager for International sales. He was a member of the American Nuclear Society and served as the Technical Chairman for many meetings, including Pacific Nuclear conferences in Mexico City, Seoul, South Korea and Beijing, China. Jim retired in 1989 after 43 years of service but continued to participate in the GE Nuclear retirement community.

In 1950, he married his loving wife Margaret Dooley at St. Leo's Church in Tacoma, Washington and they raised six children. They attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Saratoga and Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose.

Big Jim thrived on family and liked nothing better than being an enthusiastic fan for his grandchildren's sports events, dance recitals, musical performances and academic achievements. He was happiest hosting family and friends for gatherings and reunions at Buckhaven Lane or in the parking lot at the ball game. He was the family historian and implored his children and grandchildren to learn, cherish and share their family history.

Jim was truly a lifelong learner, ever curious about the world around him and a firm believer in the power of education and being a responsible, well informed citizen. Jim also understood the importance of diplomacy and respecting the cultures of all people. Upon retirement in 1989, Jim immediately enrolled in classes at West Valley College and remained an active student for nearly 30 years.

The Giants rank just slightly below family on Jim's priority list and he introduced the family to Giants baseball and the magic of McCovey, Cepeda and Mays. World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014 were spectacular achievements and he enjoyed many memorable moments from his seats at AT&T. Those Championships may well have extended his life and certainly added great joy and excitement.

A resident of Saratoga, Ca. since 1957, Jim was an active member of Sacred Heart Church and Serra International, serving a term as District Governor. He also supported, coached and managed youth activities, including Little League, Pony League and Pop Warner Football.

James is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Margaret, his five children Jim (Eileen) of Shell Beach, Martin (Nancy) of Sacramento, Terence (Erin) of Modesto, Maureen (Ralph Marquez) of La Selva Beach, Michael (Stacy) of San Jose, and brothers Dave (Mary Alice) and Bill (Bea), and sister Teresa, and his grandchildren Megan (Moey Mutz), Lauren, Connor (Jessie), Erlin (Tom Worthington), Kate, Tyler, Brian, Julia, Nicole, Keeghan, Paxton, and sister-in-law's Janet and Eva, and great grandchildren McKenzie, Madelynn and Macie.

He was preceded in death by parents, James and Mae Sweeney, brothers Kevin, Leo and Timothy, and son Kevin.

There will be a Rosary service on Thursday September 6, 2018 at 7pm at Alameda Family Funeral Home, 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. in Saratoga.

A funeral mass will be held Friday September 7, 2018 at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Ave in Saratoga with a reception to follow.