James “Slim” W. Sweeney, 85, of Whitehall, died April 11, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospice. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Yoo) Sweeney for 45 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late James W. and Bernice (Bonnell) Sweeney Sr.

He was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Thomaston.

He retired from the Pennsylvania Turnpike as a tradesman superintendent for District 5. Before that, he was a metal lather in the construction industry.

He was a president and business manager of Allentown Lathers Local 401, a vice president and regional apprenticeship coordinator of the Lathers International Union and a president of the Lehigh Valley Building and Construction Trades Council. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Greenleaf Lodge 561, Valley of Allentown, and of the Rajah Shriners.

He was on various boards and committees including the board of directors of the YMCA, the Lehigh County Senior Citizens, the Labor Advisory Board of the United Way, the sponsor committee for the Eagle Scouts in Lehigh County and on the Allentown Planning Commission. He was a Whitehall Township commissioner.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, David and his wife Donna of Macungie and Michael of Orefield; three grandchildren, Joseph and his fiancee Jennifer, Tyler and Taylor; nieces; nephews; cousins; and a sister, Nancy Fritzinger of Orefield.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert “Harpo” Sweeney; and two sisters, Patricia Smith and Sharon Sodl.

Contributions may be presented to Lehigh Valley Hospice or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o the funeral home, 444 Pershing Blvd., Whitehall, 18052.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc.