The Honorable J. Miles Sweeney, 79, passed away September 28, 2025. He would have been 80 on his birthday, the following day, September 29.

Miles occupied the bench for 23 years, of which he served as the presiding judge for Greene County for 9 years. While on the bench, Miles was revered for his steady nature, objectivity, and wise judgment. While serving as a judge Miles was able to impact the court system in several ways. He was a founder of the Community Alternative Service Program, which formalized the process to allow offenders of minor crimes to avoid incarceration and be supervised as they complete community service. He pushed for a non-partisan plan to recruit and retain qualified judges in the county, which was adopted after he retired. Miles introduced the Children First Program in family court requiring divorcing parents to attend classes to minimize the negative effects of divorce on the children. Other initiatives he spearheaded are too numerous to list.

Miles' love for the outdoors, evident by his many years of avid fishing and hunting with numerous friends and colleagues, led him to be active in Ducks Unlimited and the James River Basin Partnership for many years. Miles was a champion trap shooter and consistently participated in the Amateur Trapshooting Association competitions. Miles played tennis every week for many years. He also walked or ran daily with friends at the Downtown YMCA on lunch breaks until retirement where the group moved to the Greenways Trails. He continued to walk well into life, 2-4 miles daily, with his friends up until his passing.

Miles is survived by daughter Elizabeth (Michael), Grandson Miles and Granddaughter Phoenix.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Springfield Elk's Lodge #409, Springfield, where Miles has been active the past several years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice.