James (Jim) Joseph Sweeney

James (Jim) Joseph Sweeney was born in Queens, New York on January 24, 1942 to James and Catherine Sweeney. He died on April 14, 2015 with his wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George.

Jim served in the US Army. He became a New York City police officer, then moved to Suffolk County, Long Island, New York Police Dept., where he worked 25 years until he retired.

He was a member of the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band as a drummer and marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York.

After retirement, he became involved in prison ministry with Father Bertolucci who encouraged him to get involved with Jon Stemkoski Celebrant Singers Worldwide Ministry, based in Visalia, Calif. While doing a concert at St. Peter's Church, he met Phyllis and they married.

He was involved in his church, Knights of Columbus, the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, and The Encouragement Factor. Jim was also a Temecula Valley school bus driver for disabled children for six years.

He and Phyllis had nine children between them and seven grandchildren.

Jim's four children live in New York with four of the grandchildren: Eileen (David), Mary (Kevin), Cathy (Matthew), and James.

He enjoyed music and had a natural, gifted tenor voice.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 450 South Stage Coach Lane, with a reception following in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to St. Peter's School or the Fallbrook Senior Center.