Following the passing of Jim Sweeney, owner of Alki Lumber on Sunday, the West Seattle Herald asked our readers to share their thoughts and feelings about a man known to so many in the community both via email and via Facebook. Here are their comments:

Richard Paddon
Sorry to hear this about Mr. Sweeney. Condolences to his family,friends, and co workers. He was a fixture at Alki Lumber, and a man of heart.

Ralph Kennicott
I knew Jim my prayers go out to the family. R.I.P!

Nicholas Packard
I had the pleasure of wearing Alki Lumber's baseball jersey about 18 years ago. They were always happy to see the kids come in. :)

Dawn Padgett
So sad to hear this!!! my prayers go out to the Sweeney's.

Catherine Airola
I love Alki Lumber. So sad. Love and Light to his family, the staff, and all who were touched by service to West Seattle.

Michelle Driver Picinich
So sad. If you ever see Lynn, please pass along my condolences.

Sandra Hines Merkin
My heart goes out to his family. Jim made a huge positive impact on so many lives, including mine. I am blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John Peck
He was always nice to me...very sorry !

Mark Turpen
We will miss you Jim! Rest in Peace. Our prayers are with you and your family

Christine Cagley
One of the best places in town to go for your material and honest customer service! You always felt welcomed here. He will be dearly missed.

Tracy Bartelson
condolences to the family. just last summer stopped by KFC and as I waited, I was looking at the east side of the building and try'n to remember how it looked inside.

Victoria Hollerbach & Family
Jim Sweeney was a throwback to a better time, a time when a man’s word was everything. He worked hard to build his business, all while staying true to his strong moral values, his family and friends.
 
He cared deeply about people, but you’d be hard pressed to see him express his real feelings in public. But everyone that knew Jim, knew the truth, that under his quiet fatherly look-he would do anything for people he knew and for the community he loved.
 
As a high school girl working summer hours in his crowded office at Alki Lumber, I was secretly terrified by his tough business-man exterior. But I soon learned the real truth. 
 
Over the years, watching Jim in action (both my husband and my sister worked there as well); I learned that his Company was not just family owned, it was his family. If his employees struggled, he took care of them. He was concerned about their families, about their futures. He became a father figure for even the most challenging employees. Most notably, even when people close to him sometimes let him down, he never wavered in his compassion toward them-giving people the benefit of the doubt and numerous chances to make things right. 
 
It wasn’t only his business and employees that Jim was passionate about; he cared deeply for his community. Every year, he gave generously to community groups; scouts, parks groups; schools, and West Seattle youth baseball teams. 
 
To say he was a good, generous, gracious man would be an understatement. He was a great man, and West Seattle has lost a community treasure-he was one of a kind.  

NOTE: If you'd like to share your thoughts about Jim Sweeney please do so here on the site below the story, on the Herald's Facebook Fan Page or via email to WestSeattle@robinsonnews.com.