James Thomas Sleeman
July 16, 1928 ~ June 1, 2019
Born in:
Birmingham, Alabama
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, Georgia
James Thomas (Tom) Sleeman, age 90 of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Grace B. Sleeman, his parents William C. Sleeman, Sr. and Olive Sleeman, his brothers William C. Sleeman, Jr. of Newport News, Virginia and Robert E. Sleeman of Birmingham. He is survived by his three children, Jim Sleeman, Joie S. Hain, David Sleeman, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict.
His television industry career highlights include working in public broadcasting and later developed the startup team for the first UHF station in Birmingham, Channel 42. Transitioning to the west coast, Tom joined ABC network as their Engineering Manager for the 1984 Olympics. He was recognized for this achievement with an Emmy Award for his engineering excellence. This work was followed by continuing with ABC as the technical manager for several acclaimed television shows including the popular soap opera, General Hospital. Afterwards, he joined EBU, building and managing the 1994 WorldCup International Broadcast Center and later designing the 1996 Olympic International Broadcast Center in Atlanta.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies and shared them with his family. From his high school days, he was a Ham Radio Operator, achieving his Extra Class license, a motorcycle enthusiast, amateur scuba diver and private pilot. As a pilot, Tom earned his “ticket” as a Commercial Flight Instructor. He built and flew quarter scale RC airplanes and later enjoyed flying drones. Even late in life, Tom continued to enjoy all things electronic and computers.
He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and was a member of the McKendree United Methodist Church.
The Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of James Thomas Sleeman, Sr. will be held Graveside on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. at Gwinnett Memorial Park; 925 Lawrenceville Highway; Lawrenceville, GA, 30046. The family will receive friends earlier, June 4, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Wages and Sons Funeral Home located at 1031 Lawrenceville Highway (Hwy 29); Lawrenceville, Ga 30046. Those desiring may make memorial donations to McKendree United Methodist Church or the Foundation of Rotary International, c/o the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County.
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So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Praying for your family, Justin.
We love you all, and so love Tommy. Couldn’t ask for a finer uncle. We will miss him dearly.
I am sorry for your loss.Mr.Salesman was such a great person, he will live in my memory forever.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your famliy.
May you find peace and strength during this difficult period.
I am very sorry to hear tom has gone on to his maker.he was a delightful man i enjoyed him so much when i would encounter him in the neighborhood on his motorcycle. Rest in peace tom.
Hello, Dear, Loving Family of James Thomas Sleeman.
This may not be the proper venue and for that I apologize, however, I was saddened to read this obit. You see, I am the person that purchased his Burgman; just yesterday in fact. I am retired Navy and a long time rider and I promise you I will take excellent care and ride with pride. I, too, live in Lawrenceville.
Dear Geri,
There is no offense taken and so glad to hear of his Burgman going to a person who will care for and enjoy it. He thoroughly enjoyed having it – even “bench riding” when he would sit and look at it or roll it out of the garage and just get it warmed up! He was a rider from his teen years through adult and transitioned to dirt bike when we were teens. Of course those days were long past and he couldn’t be without a motor, hence the Burgman. Will keep an eye out for you in the area and will wave! Best Wishes and Safe Riding! The family of Tom Sleeman
I was saddened to learn this morning (11/29/20) of Tom’s passing. I worked for him at Grass Valley in Atlanta from 1978 to 1980 when he moved to California. We kept in touch for a while and Tom sent me a photo of himself holding his Emmy. I was so happy for him. I thought about Tom off and on over the years, but we lost contact. Last night I had a dream about him. I had just gone back to work, and was working for him again. I have no idea why I dreamed that; I can think of nothing that would have prompted it. But this morning, on a hunch, I looked up obituaries and was sorry to find his. My condolences to your family. I know you must miss him. Tom was a good man.