James Ray "Jim" Sweeney was born to John and Lucille (Wright) Sweeney on October 23, 1938. He passed away at his home in Oklahoma City on August 6, 2026 at the age of 87.

Jim started elementary school at Swan School, and attended there up until 1946, when they consolidated with Thomas Schools. In high school, he played on the State Championship football team and was a strong member of the Track and Field team - excelling in Pole Vault. He graduated from Thomas High School with the class of 1956. Jim later enrolled at Southwestern State College where he was a letterman on the track team. He also spent a lot of time on harvesting trips.

Jim married Ruth Friesen in 1958. The couple made their home in Custer City and welcomed two daughters, Sandy Kay and Carrie Sue. The family was very active in the Custer City First Baptist Church and Jim was always willing to lend a helping hand and fix whatever was needed in the church. He taught math, science and coached for Custer City School for several years. The family spent summers traveling the United States so he could attend the National Science Foundation Summer Institutes he was accepted into. Jim then became the Principal and later, Superintendent of Custer City School, titles he truly enjoyed.

Jim retired in 1994, after the consolidation of Custer and Thomas-Fay schools. He and Ruth moved to Mangum for a few years while she finished teaching before her retirement. They then moved back to Custer City. Ruth passed away in 2012.

In 2016, Jim moved to Oklahoma City. He then married Sherryl Sweeney in 2017, an Occupational Therapist with a pediatric clinic. Jim and Sherryl lived in Oklahoma City for nine years and enjoyed attending Saint Luke's worship and community service, watching OU sports, and visiting with family and friends. Jim also kept up with the Thomas Terriers and OKC Thunder.

Jim had a lifelong love of science and astronomy. He loved traveling, his family and going to their get togethers. He was very close to his grandkids, following them in their activities and spending time with them was a priority. Jim's family will remember him as a "fix it" man with high standards and a deep Christian faith.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 54 years, Ruth Sweeney; brother, Everett Sweeney; and sister Della Fern Whitson.

He is survived by his wife, Sherryl Sweeney; daughter, Sandy Kay Whinery and husband, Kent; daughter, Carrie Sue DeMuth and husband, Bruce; bonus son, Chad Sweeney and wife, Jennifer; bonus daughter, Andrea Clark and husband, Billy; grandchildren, Landon Whinery (Bobbie Coleman), Morgan Whinery (Ben Habern), Valoree Whiting (Zack), Blake Combs (Kynsee), Cole Combs (Britney), Brent DeMuth (Lanae), Jessica Lincoln (Will), Liam Sweeney, Forest Sweeney, Toby Clark; 11 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Flowers may be ordered from Pink Zebra in Clinton or The Open Window in Thomas. Or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. Donate to Stephenson Cancer Center online at https://home.oufoundation.org/s/1720/21/home.aspx?cc=1&gid=2&pgid=1775
Those wishing to mail a check may make checks payable to OU Foundation and mail to:
University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 258856, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-8856.