James Sweeney

James Richard Sweeney, age 61, of Vadnais Heights,Passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Juliet Sweeney. Survived by his wife, Jayne; siblings, John (Jane), George, Cynthia (Larry Underkoffler), Bob (Laurie), and Kathleen Daniels (Frank); many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Member of the Kellogg Class of 1976 and Bemidji State University class of 1981.Jim was the youngest of six children and enjoyed his share of good natured ribbing during his childhood in the Roseville family home. His youth included close neighborhood friends in both the Juen and Wurst families, filled with fort building, jug making, backyard carnivals and bike jumping. Jim enjoyed both playing hockey and tennis in high school. He could pick a mean guitar and loved to fish both at the cabin in Prior Lake and in Northern Minnesota. In college and shortly after, he was a very talented potter, with an artistic eye for color, shape and design. Despite his diagnosis of a severe mental illness in his early 20’s Jim kept his sense of humor that surfaced every once in a while despite his struggle. He had a gentle spirit and an incredibly kind heart. The Sweeney family is grateful for the Lunds-Byerlys grocery store for the employment and kindness that they showed Jim these last 6 years. He enjoyed his job and especially the menu, which he arrived 2 hours early for each shift. We are especially so grateful to his wife Jayne for her steady love and support which provided much security and happiness for Jim in their 13 and a half year marriage. Jayne was a blessing to Jim. She will always be a part of our family. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Memorial service Monday, December 23, 2019 at 11 AM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, with visitation from 9:30 AM to time of service at Mueller Memorial. Private family interment to follow. Memorials preferred to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).