James "Jim" Bruce Sweeting

James Bruce Sweeting (“Jim”), 67, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 21, in Sarasota, Florida. A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by his two children, Kelli Sweeting and Robert (Lindsay) Sweeting; and his grandchildren, Joshua, Katy, Tyler, and Jay.

Jim was born in Nassau, Bahamas, on May 26, 1956, and never lost his love of the ocean. An athlete from his earliest days, he first left the islands to attend school in Great Britain, finding joy in both playing rugby and ruffling as many feathers as possible. After attending Webber College, he met and proposed to Robin Sweeting (née Jaffe), moving to Sarasota, Florida for the duration of their 30-year marriage.

Jim returned to the water as a lifeguard on Siesta Key Beach, where he embraced a new athletic venture as a triathlete and marathon runner. His nickname of “the greyhound” dovetailed perfectly with his new job when joined the Sarasota Police force in 1985, eventually becoming part of the narcotics division and working closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency throughout his 22-year career. After retirement, he joined forces with the United States Department of Justice for six years, sharing his experiences with other law enforcement officers in Europe.

Jim had three great loves: his children, his dogs, and stirring up trouble. The consummate storyteller, he could weave a yarn that had a roomful of strangers on their toes, only to end with a wink, a shrug, and an acknowledgment that half the tale may have been embellished. To know him was to be the owner of a “Jim Story,” one that would always end with laughter and, potentially, a lifetime of free cucumber salad.

In recent years, he relished his new role as “Grampy,” loving the time spent with his four grandchildren, his extended family, and his friends. Larger than life, he will be missed, but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, our family asks for donations in his name to the Sarasota Police Foundation.

A gathering for Jim will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. Following the gathering will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232.