James G. Sullivan
Friday, August 22, 1930
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Age:
93 years old
Friday, August 22, 1930
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Age:
93 years old
Friday, August 22, 1930
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Age:
93 years old
James G. Sullivan
James Gilbert (Sully) Sullivan 93 passed away at Cottagewood Senior Living Center on December 16, 2023.
James was born August 22, 1930, in Rochester, Minnesota to Gilbert James and Mary Margaret (Ryan) Sullivan.
Sully married the love of his life, Anita Ann Stewart on October 16th, 1954. They were married 64 years at the time of Anita’s death on February 10, 2018, at the age of 85.
He attended Hawthorn Elementary, Central Junior High and graduated from Rochester High School in 1948. He then attended Rochester Junior College and The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Uncle Sam interrupted his education by drafting him into the US Army and sent him to Korea for 2 years, 1952-1954. He went in as a Private moving up quickly to the rank of Staff Sargent. He was assigned to the 623rd Forward Artillery division. Even after some escapades he was offered a position at West Point to further his military career, which he respectfully declined. He told them “I don’t like it over here”. After his service, he attended Kansas State University, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. He worked for Leon Joyce Construction until 1968 when he founded Sullivan Construction Company. He also owned Northbrook Liquor store for about 15 years. Sully’s love for Heavy Equipment carried through into retirement when he went back to work for Road Constructors and then Mathy Construction Company, finally retiring in 2017 at the age of 87 years old.
Sully very much enjoyed outdoor activities. He loved hunting and fishing in the United States, Mexico and Canada, boating, motorcycles, and Moped rides with his Gang at the lake, snowmobiles and even waterskiing in his younger years.
Anita and Jim enjoyed traveling both nationally and internationally seeing many parts of this wonderful world.
They spent 44 years on The Point in Lake City, MN, raising children and grandchildren, making friends with everyone and having a lot of fun.
He is survived by his daughter Alicia of Encinitas, CA; sons, Michael (Melanie Odim) and Patrick of Rochester, MN; grandchildren Graham of Chula Vista, CA, Stewart (Erin) Durst of San Lorenzo, CA, Ryan (Sarah) Sullivan of Rochester, Casey (Brooke) Sullivan of Lake City, MN, and Karly Sullivan of Portland, OR; great-grandchildren Dakota and Sonny Durst in CA, Aurora and Luna of Lake City, and Jameson of Rochester.
Sully was proceeded in death by his wife Anita, his parents Gilbert and Mary, and his brother William (Bill).
The family would prefer memorials to be sent to the children at The Ronald McDonald House.
The family would like to thank the Cottagewood and Moments Hospice staff for their kind and compassionate care.
A Memorial service will be at 11:00 am. on April 13, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN with a visitation 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of James G. Sullivan has received the following condolences.
Mike you may not remember me but we were in Kellogg together.
I was out for a bike ride probably 10(?) years ago and stopped to talk to a very nice man… your dad.
Don’t recall our conversation but we figured out I knew you and I just remember how very nice he was!!!
My mom and dad recently passed away too so I feel for you and your family.
remember all that he did and taught you and cry when you need to.
Patti
Sully was a great guy and friend. Had many good times with him. He truly cared about other people and those he loved. He will be missed for sure. Thoughts and prayers to him and his whole family.
Pat Clark
The last two summers of the '60's I had the privilege of working for Sullivan Construction Co. (Carrol ? was the foreman). I was tempted to go full-time with them but went on to be ordained in '74. My favorite memory was helping blacktop the original parking lot of Apache Mall! I'm now retired and split my time between Mesa, AZ and Wabasha, MN. Just this week I have application papers for the new VA Home in Preston, MN (waiting list...) Prayers for Sully and family.
Sullivan Family,
What a guy!!! Such quality time spent with Jim and Anita on Wilshire Dr. solving all the world’s problems…or at least trying to!!! Jim always said Wilshire Dr. was the best neighborhood and the Sullivan’s played a big part in the friendships that were made. We will miss our chats, but know that Sully was so ready to go and see Anita! Thanks for some great memories!!!
Carol & Wayne Venteicher
Our sympathy to the family. We lived across the street from Gilbert and Mary. Have many fond memories of the Sullivan family. Will never forget Mary saying "Its a rocky road to Dublin". We had some great times at the Lake home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alicia, Mike, Pat and family,
So sorry and sadden to read about the passing of your father and grandfather. I so enjoyed spending time with Jim and Anita at the Legion. They certainly were fun to be with.
Take care.
Sharon Colleran-King