After a 20-plus-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, John James  Sweeney,  Jr. passed away at home on the evening of December 24, 2022, with his family around him.  He was born May 24, 1960, in Providence, Rhode Island, to John James Sweeney and Muriel Jean Picard. He was the oldest of five children and was known in his childhood to his family, neighborhood, and church friends as Jimmy or Jim .

John grew up, and attended school, in Agawam, Massachusetts.  In his youth he played on a candlepin bowling team.  He was a newspaper delivery boy and used his hard earned money to buy his beloved golden retriever dog, Sandy.   He graduated with the Class of 1978 from Agawam High School, where he was in the band and marching band, playing the drums.  He was also on the golf team.  His high school nickname was Smiley. He attended Brigham Young University.  He took a break from college to serve a mission in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was in New Mexico where he met Diane Hamilton, a fellow missionary. Several months after returning to BYU, John and Diane started dating. They married August 18, 1984, in Kensington, MD in the Washington, DC Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  John graduated from BYU in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

John’s career began at NAO, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA.  He worked as a mechanical engineer specializing in plant maintenance and reliability engineering for 23 years in Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, and New Jersey.  He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Wherever life took him he was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings, such as executive secretary to the bishopric, ward financial clerk, counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency, Family History Center director, High Priest group leader, and Scout leader.

John was an assistant coach for his kids’ soccer and baseball teams.  He also enjoyed golf and doing puzzles.  He was passionate about family history (he was particularly proud of his Irish heritage) and serving others. His best times were spent with his children and grandchildren.

John faced his disease with grace, humor, faith, and a positive outlook, and service to others.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Emily (Adam) Albright of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Katelynn (Jamal) Pugmire of Spanish Fork, Utah, Mark (Lauren) Sweeney of Logan, Utah, Elliott Sweeney (Raven Flynn) of Sherman Oaks, California, and Scott Sweeney of Orem, Utah. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Kyrie, Liam, Hunter, and Jayden, as well as two sisters: Tricia (Steve) Venne of Agawam, Massachusetts, and Judi (Ben) Weston of Sheridan, Indiana, and a brother, Daniel (Jenivee) Akalis of Riverton, Utah. He is additionally survived by aunts: Cecile Nystrom, Estelle Sousa, and Sue Rodrigues along with many extended family.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Brian Patrick Sweeney.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5237 West 10400 South, Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church.

There will be a private family graveside service at a later date.

The funeral service will be streamed live. Please return to this memorial page shortly before 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, and click on the link below.

John James Sweeney Jr. Funeral Service