James W. “Slim” Sweeney, 85, of Whitehall, died peacefully April 11, 2021, in Lehigh Valley Hospice.

The loving husband of Patricia A. (Yoo) Sweeney, the couple was married 45 years in January.

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

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War serving on the USS Thomaston.

He retired from the Pennsylvania Turnpike as tradesman superintendent for District 5.

Before that, he was a metal lather in the construction industry and served as the president and business manager of Allentown Lathers Local 401, as a vice president and regional apprenticeship coordinator of the Lathers International Union and as president of the Lehigh Valley Building and Construction Trades Council.

He enjoyed traveling, good times with friends and family, was a sports enthusiast and an avid Penn State fan.

A 32nd Degree? Mason, he was a member of Greenleaf Lodge 561, Valley of Allentown and the Rajah Shriners.

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

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

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

Contributions in his memory may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice or to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Gilbert Funeral Home, 444 Pershing Blvd., Whitehall, PA 18052.