James D. (Jim) Sweeney

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James D. (Jim) Sweeney

James D. (Jim) Sweeney 74 of Lewistown passed away at his home early Saturday morning, March 6th, 2010 of natural causes. He was born June 14, 1935 in Lathrop, Missouri the son of Omerie & Dorothy (Anderson) Sweeney, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Billings, MT and attended schools there. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Following his discharge he returned to Montana and on May 8, 1953 he was united in marriage to Gloria Wright in Columbus, MT. From this union were brought four children Tyra, Roxann, Trace and Treva.

He worked as a Stone Mason in Billings with his father and then on his brother-in-laws farm. In 1960 he went to work for the Montana Livestock Commission. He attended the Montana State Law Enforcement Academy in Helena. After becoming a district inspector he and the family moved a few times before settling in Lewistown. He retired from the Brands Enforcement Division after 30 years at the age of 53, because he had a lot of other things he wanted to do. It was important to dad to teach his kids and grandkids to be good workers and to learn how to do things for themselves. He was always teaching us something. After a conversation with him you would always leave wondering how he knew so much about so many things. Our Dad had so many interests from building his own home to building and restoring show wagons, sleighs, harness making, leather work, restoring crawlers and tractors, welding and collection antiques. Our Dad was a man who could build anything out of anything and would build things just so he knew he could.

Our Dad loved animals and was proud of his Registered Belgian Horses, the Buffalo he raised, his Suffolk Sheep and Waterfowl Reserve he started at his home on Spring Creek. He respected the animals and they respected him. He always said you could learn a lot by just watching them.

He was a member of the AlBedoo Shrine of Billings, the Central Montana Shrine Club of Lewistown, York Rite Bodies of Lewistown, Friendship Lodge #37 AF & AM of Lewistown, Charter Member and past president of the Montana Draft Horse & Mule Association and was a Charter Member of the Lewistown Harness Club.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Gloria and one son Trace (Karen) of Lewistown; three daughters Tyra (Jon) VanEngen of Winnemucca, NV, Roxann (Wally) Kruger of Tucson, AZ and Treva (Norm) Nelson of Shelby, MT; one sister Barbara Gene (Joe) Totten of Billings, MT; brother-in-laws Bud Morton of Broadview and Ralph (Sandy) Wright of Wasilla, AK; Six grandchildren Kamie (Shawn) Stewart of Boise, ID, Carson Sweeney of Denver, CO, Austin Sweeney of Lewistown, MT. Josie Sweeney of Lewistown, MT and Greeley, CO, Justin and Cody Nelson of Shelby, MT. Several nieces and nephews they he loved and his new puppy Max.

He will be missed by All.

No Services will be held for James D. (Jim) Sweeney and cremation has taken place at his request. The Cloyd Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.

Condolences (17)

written by Bill & Marilyn Steele, March 17, 2010

Gloria, Trace and family, We just got back from a trip and very sorry to hear about Jims passing. I really enjoyed having coffee and the visits we had about horses and antique tractors espicially farmall's. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. God Bless

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written by dr tom morledge, March 12, 2010

God Bless you Gloria for all your good care of Jim. It is a great regret to see him suffer with breathing the last time I saw you both in Lewistown at an RV gathering. Jim's father was like a father to me and we played like brothers as kids- riding horses, hiking in the rims, swimming, climbing apple trees etc. We all miss him so much. Give my best wishes to Barbara Jean. Tom Morledge

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written by DeNell Stewart, March 12, 2010

Treva, I was sorry to hear about your dad passing away. I know how much you cherished his guidance and direction. Please know that your family is in my prayers.

DeNell Stewart

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written by Jack & Kathy Ripley, March 12, 2010

Gloria & family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You have a lot of cherished memories to comfort you. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

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written by Barbara (Hendrickson) Beeby, March 11, 2010

Dear Gloria and Family: The name Jim Sweeney brings the phrase "oh yeah - I remember" rushing to my mind. My father Oscar loved him and treasured his friendship and they are up there back chasing any rustlers that made it. So many stories about their adventures. I know he will be missed bunches but what wonderful memories you have to rest your aching heart on. God Bless You. Barbara

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written by Roche Juneau, March 11, 2010

Gloria & family – The news of Jim’s passing has many good memories pouring from my heart. During your time in Chinook, Jim represented everything your kids wrote in his obituary. He was always an individual I admired and who’s company I enjoyed. Thanks for sharing time with me on your journey. God bless Jim as he continues his….. (Oscar Hendrickson’s grandson, Roche)

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written by Linda Lee Boyce, March 11, 2010

Dear Gloria,
I was so sad to see Jim had passed away. I will treasure the hours we visited while I was cleaning house. He made
me feel so welcome and appreciated. He was as was written a wealth of information on so many subjects, I took advantage of his wisdom weekly for years. The community of Lewistown has lost one of it's treasures. My thoughts are with you take care. Love Linda

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written by Janice (Wright)Hammerel & John Hammerel, March 10, 2010

Gloria & family -- the folks told us the news. You're very much in our thoughts and prayers right now. I have my own fond memories, Gloria, of you and Jim and the kids when us kids were young. And John is so pleased to have gotten the chance to meet you both. He really thought a lot of Jim -- he told me that Jim seemed like a kind, good man who can do anything. My response: Yep, that's right. Much love to you all. Janice & John Hammerel.

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written by Duncan McRae, March 10, 2010

Hi Trace, sorry to hear about your dad. Just wanted to let you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care, Duncan

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written by Donald "Nick" Parker, March 10, 2010

Gloria and family, sorry to hear of the passing of Jim, as he was a real good friend as well as a good man, I enjoyed visiting with him all the years that I lived in Lewistown and I still have in my posseion the fifth wheel trailer that he rebuilt for hauling his wagon and horses with the front end for living space.

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written by Loretta Dengel, March 10, 2010

Trace, Karen and kids, I didn't know when I was in the beauty shop that Jim was your dad. When I ran the cafe in Grass Range he came in when he was the inspector.I guess I lost track. I'm really sorry to hear of his passing and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Loretta Dengel

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written by Garth & Maggie Tanner, March 09, 2010

We will keep you and your family in our prayers as you go through this difficult period in your lives.

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written by Dr. Margarett H Campbell, March 09, 2010

When I saw Jim's name I was taken back. He and my late father, Bud Campbell were stock inspectors at the same time and I remember him very well. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family has never been able to get over losing Dad. He was the center of us and we were all him. Dad's are the most special men in the world. God Bless you as you celebrate the great life of Ji. Representative Margarett Campbell, House of Representatives Majority Leader

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written by colin mcrae and the boys, March 09, 2010

good morning trace,
i just wanted to let you know i'm thinking of you and your family and sending prayers your way...while not really knowing your dad all that well i know that growing up you were always one of my heros and someone i aspired to be like...your work ethic and kind and compassionate nature even as a kid were inspiring and i know these attributes don't come naturally but are learned and taught by watching others and growing up in that environment which im sure your dad played a big part... i'm grateful you are in my life and hope you are doing ok

take good care colin

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written by Mike and Cheryl Tehle, March 09, 2010

It is very difficult to loose a family member like a Dad
Cheryl and I have lost both parents and we know some of your grief.
Our prayers go with you and your family.
Mike and Cheryl Tehle

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written by Martin and Kathryn Stahl & Family, March 09, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Jim was a very special friend
He will be missed. May God watch over you until we all meet again.

Martin & Kathryn Stahl Roundup Mt

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written by Dale and Kathy Longfellow, March 09, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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