James "Jim" McSweeney

James M. McSweeney (""Jim"", ""Jimmy"", ""Dad"", ""Dooda"" and ""Papa"") was just shy of his 80th birthday when he passed away on September 6, 2016 at his home in Englewood, Florida surrounded by his loving family. Although Jim was sick for several years preceding his death, he was blessed to have the love and care of his wife of 55 years, Beverly Ann McSweeney. Together they experienced a lifetime of adventures, created wonderful memories for their daughters and lived an authentic life with much fun, laughter, dancing and love. Jim was born on September 24, 1936 in Portsmouth, Ohio to George and Rhoda McSweeney. He was raised in Portsmouth and always remained close with his brothers and sister as well as his extended family and many friends. Evan as a kid, he had a knack for creating adventures with his buddies and brothers, albeit mostly without his parents knowledge, such as when he swam across the Ohio River to Kentucky and hitchhiked to ""Cinci"" to sneak into his first Reds game, to name a few. After graduating from Portsmouth High School, Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1954. He was in the Air Police and a member of the 8th Air Force Judo Team when he was chosen to train at the elite Kodokan Judo School in Tokyo Japan, earning the honor of being one of the few and the youngest Americans to earn his first Black Belt from the Kodokan. His skills were well utilized to train Air Force pilots and crew members in unarmed defense methods to survive if downed in enemy territory. Jim married Beverly Ann Moad in Salina, Kansas in 1962. Together they raised their two daughters while living in California, Ohio and eventually settling in Miami, Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, Jim was a Real Estate Broker and with his wife, owned several businesses, including Ann's Townsman Restaurant. He was a member of the American Legion, various business organizations and veterans' clubs. In 2005, Jim and Beverly continued their adventure and retired to Englewood, Florida where they enjoyed the beach and the company of family, lifelong friends, and making new friends. Jim was absolutely adored by his daughters; giving them the priceless gifts of knowing they were always–without condition-loved and capable of obtaining their dreams. ""Make a plan and work a plan"" was the wise, yet simple advice his girls hold true today. He also gave them the gift of knowing he loved their mother, the love of his life. Jim was especially a proud ""Papa"" and loved spending time with his two grandkids, Bailey (17) and Ben (13). He spent time with them -shared his adventures and they shared their life adventures with him. He wanted to know it all, and loved all of it. Always compassionate, he was generous and kind, helping countless people throughout his life. As many have observed, ""everyone liked Jim and his easy-going charm put everyone at ease. He was fun and had an innate ""Cool"" about him whether he was simply enjoying the sun while relaxing at the beach, skipping down the street with his girls or dancing the jitterbug with his wife. He loved all sports, particularly college football, and especially his beloved Ohio State ""Buckeyes"". Jim was happiest when spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed, although he and his family take comfort in knowing that this life is not the end; there will be many more adventures ahead. Every Blade in the Field Every Leaf in the Forest Lays Down its Life in Its Season As Beautifully as it was Taken Up. –Henry David Thoreau Jim is survived by his wife, Beverly Ann McSweeney, of Englewood, Florida; his daughter and son-in-law Rae McSweeney and Janne Hamalainen, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughter Patsy McSweeney and grandchildren, Bailey Sargent and Benjamin Sargent; of Cumberland , Maine; his niece, Dr Kelli Parks and her husband Jose' Restrepo and nephew, Shawn Parks. His sister, Mary Conley, his brother and sister-in-law Lee and Joan McSweeney, his brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Nancy McSweeney and his half brother Percy McSweeney, and many McSweeney relatives. He is preceded in death by his mother father, George and Rhoda McSweeney, his brother, Russell McSweeney, and his half brother George Young. A celebration of life will be held October 8th, from 1 - 4pm in Portsmouth, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Steven A. Hunter Hope Fund, a 501© 3 non-profit organization supporting many basic needs for economically disadvantaged children, including weekend food backpacks, clothing and school supplies. Online: Stevenhopefund.org Or Mail: The Steven A Hunter Hope Fund, Inc P.O. Box 802 Portsmouth, Ohio 45662