Passing of James Sweetlove - 2025 Summer

It is with great sadness that we advise you of the passing of our dear friend, James Sweetlove. James passed away on May 27, 2025,at the age of 78. Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Margaret, his daughters Jennifer and Alyson, son-in-law Franz Kloibhofer, and his cherished grand-daughters Ava and Katie.

Jim was called to the Bar in 1972 and began practicing law in Hamilton. He joined the firm of Ross & McBride in 1985 and continued his practice as a Wills, Estates and Trusts expert until his retirement in 2015. He received his LL.M degree in Dispute Resolution in 2004 and was sought after as an estate mediator. He was also dedicated to teaching with the Ontario Bar Admissions program and the Institute of Law Clerks on Ontario, where he taught the estate associate course and the estate accounting fellowship course.

Jim believed deeply in giving back to his community and made an indelible impact through his leadership in numerous organizations, including the Halton Conservation Foundation, Halton Women's Place, Burlington Library Board, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and as a founding member of the Burlington Community Foundation.  He was recognized for his contributions with the Aldershot Community Honour Roll award and Ontario 150 award in 2017. Jim was a member of the Burlington Curling Clug for 53 years, including serving as the Club President, and a long-time member and Past Master of Wellington Square Masonic Lodge. He was also an active member of St. Matthew's Anglican Church, where he served as Church Warden for several years, and received the Order of Niagara in 2008. Jim's kindness, generosity and commitment to making his community a better place will be fondly remembered by everyone he touched.

Jim loved music and sport, and he was an avid reader. He and Margaret loved to travel; he aspired to become a member of the Century Club and had visited 89 countries at the time of his passing.

ILCO will work with Jim's family to establish an ILCO award in his honour.