James Vincent Sweeney, longtime resident of St. Simons Island, passed away peacefully Feb. 11, 2018, at the age of 89, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn., after a short illness. He was born July 25, 1929, to the late Helen and Harry Sweeney of St. James, N.Y. Jim, or "Vincent" to his family, grew up on Long Island attending school in St. James and joining the United States Army in 1946, after graduation from high school. He served in the 11th Airborne Division during the occupation of Japan as an infantry paratrooper and motor transportation specialist. In 1949, Jim attended technical school which set him on an industrial career path, and for the next 35 years he worked as a plant technician, industrial instrumentation engineer and general sales manager, eventually retiring in 1986 from the Foxboro Co. in Atlanta. His career took him to most industrial facilities and mines throughout the Appalachian Range, and plants throughout the nation and to South America. Jim and Mary retired to St. Simons Island, Ga., in 1987, where he pursued his lifelong interests as a mechanic, carpenter, boating enthusiast and fisherman. There was never a dull moment around "Vinny," who was always restoring furniture and boats, or making full-sized cars from wood. Jim's greatest passion in life was his family. His marriage of 64 years with Mary has been an example to all of tenderness and dedication. He made sure his children had the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities at their beach cottage in Saquish, Mass., and was always a reliable foundation of growth for his children. He will be remembered for his good-naturedness and sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Joseph and Louis; and his sister, Catherine. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen Sweeney; and his children, Susan, James and John; with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at 11 AM at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens. Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of arrangements.