James Arthur Sullivan
Monday, February 22, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Age:
91 years old
Monday, February 22, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Age:
91 years old
Monday, February 22, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Age:
91 years old
James Arthur Sullivan
James “Sully” Arthur Sullivan, 91, died Saturday August 12th at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
He was born February 22, 1926 in Owatonna, Minnesota to Michael Sullivan and Myrtle Carroll. Sully lived in Rochester most of his life, where his father owned a small neighborhood grocery store and he attended Lourdes High School. He played baseball with the Rochester Young Americans as a left-handed pitcher and was known to have a mean curve ball. He often joked his fastball was mistaken for a sinker due to its lack of speed. He maintained a love for the game his entire life.
Sully joined the Navy the day after graduating high school. After boot camp, he went to San Francisco and then onto Hawaii for training as part of a Naval detachment of 21 men attached to the 10th Army. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa on April Fool’s Day 1945 but never spoke much about the war itself.
In 1948, he married the prettiest girl in town, Joanne Distad, and for 69 years they loved and took care of each other. His passions included golfing, fishing, and playing pool. He loved socializing with friends and family and always looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate and renew relationships with old friends.
He owned and operated Powell & Sullivan’s Men’s Wear located initially in downtown and later at Apache Mall. Sully was very proud of his store and developed many business and personal relationships over the years. Later in life, he got out of the clothing business and started and operated the Machine Shed, a video arcade and t-shirt store at Apache Mall, as well as Momsie’s Sandwich Shop in the old Chateau Theater downtown until he retired.
Sully is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons, Mike (Kathy), Pat (Suzi), and Scott (Laurie); and daughter-in-law, Jody; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Eileen Ranfranz, and Florence Smith; daughter, Sharon; and son, Craig.
Special thanks to the incredible staff in ICU, Joseph 3B and the hospice team at St. Marys Hospital. You were so wonderful. Rest in Peace, Sully. We will miss you.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Church of St. John the Evangelist with Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences
The family of James Arthur Sullivan has received the following condolences.
Jody and family,
We were saddened to hear that your father-in-law and grandfather passed away. Our sincerest condolences to all of you. Jerry and I will remember him as a very kind person who always greeted us when we crossed paths in Rochester. We still have his 90th birthday photo from the paper last year.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
God bless you, Jerry/Dina
What a fine man Sully was, and please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. He and my Dad were friends, and I remember going into his clothing stores, the Machine Shed...over the years. He always made me feel respected and valued. I am sure you'll treasure the great memories of him forever.
Sully was a great guy I bought all my suits from him and course the great times we had out on the lake he was among a great group of friends every Friday night may he Rest In Peace Dave
Pat and Family, Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I hope that your fond memories will provide you with strength during this difficult time. With sympathy and caring, Joan and Mark Flaherty
Hello Pat, Sorry to hear about the passing if your Father. He had quite the personality and wit, and again if memory serves, also sold me my first suit way back when.
Joanne and Family, We have known Joanne and Jim for many years. Jim and Joe joined the Navy on the same day and then two years later - after being
discharged from the Navy, they literally bumped into each other in Chicago. Jim always had that ready smile to share along with a strong handshake. It
is uncertain that we will be able to attend Jim's funeral, as we live in Madonna Towers and no longer have use of our car. We are working on it, however.
We've enjoyed watching your sons grow up, Joanne. You and Jim have been blessed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe and Tris
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sully sold me my first suit when I was just going into High School. I was working after school and on weekends but still didn't have much money but Sully figured out a way to get me the suit and pay for it. I always did business with him then ever I could after that. He kidded me when I went into the Navy and said I didn't need any clothes for awhile, The Navy would see to that. Again,I will miss him.
Ann and I are thinking of you and your family and thankful for each day I was able to spend w/ Sully over the past 40 years. Sully was a good husband, father, and grandfather to you and a great friend and mentor to me.
Sully, you will be missed!
Randy Collins
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Elisa McElmeel
My family and I are thinking of you and yours. It sounds like he led a wonderful life surrounded by loving family. Celebrate his life and take care of each other.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family in this time of grief and adjustment.
- James and Michelle