James Oliver Sweeny

Highlands, NC - James Oliver Sweeny died December 3, 2012 at home in Highlands, NC. Born in White Plains, NY on March 15, 1917 the son of Raymond and Fannie Sweeny, he grew up in Anderson, SC where he attended Boys' High School before entering Clemson University in 1935. At Clemson he was President of Tau Beta Pi and the Senior Class and Chairman of the Senior Council, graduating in 1939 with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.

After graduation Jim joined the General Electric Company in Pittsfield, MA where he spent most of his 40 year career. In 1941 he married Virginia "Ginny' Brown who remained his beloved wife and dearest friend until her death in 2009 . Called to active duty with the Army Signal Corps in December 1941, he served in the China Burma India Theater during WWII and was released from active duty as a Major in 1945. Back with GE he served in a succession of increasingly responsible positions culminating as the General Manager of two GE businesses.

After retiring in 1976 Jim and Ginny moved to Highlands, NC where he became an active numismatics enthusiast, authoring and co authoring numerous articles and several books including the prize winning two volume reference titled "Tempus in Numis". He also renewed his love affair with Clemson, becoming an active and energetic supporter of the University. In 2000 he was presented with the University's Distinguished Service Award and in 2010 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities for his lifetime of devoted service.

He is survived by his children, Jim Sweeny and his wife Barbara, Robert Sweeny and Kee Howles and her husband Jeff, and four grandchildren, Heather and Kate Sweeny, and Derek and Brian Howles.

A Memorial Service is planned for sometime in the spring.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.