James Thomas Sleeman

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.