We created an online memorial to celebrate the life of our beloved James A Sullivan. Collecting your stories and memories here will help us celebrate his life. Thank you for sharing!
OBITUARY
James A Sullivan III of Palmetto, FL died peacefully on Monday September 20, 2021 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, he is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Gundel (Danni), his children James IV and Shannon (Tom), his sisters Mary and Julie (George), nephews David (Connie) and Tom, nieces Dawn (Chris), Meryl (Paul), and Aimee (Dwayne), and grandchildren Thomas, Peter, and... see more
James A Sullivan III of Palmetto, FL died peacefully on Monday September 20, 2021 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, he is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Gundel (Danni), his children James IV and Shannon (Tom), his sisters Mary and Julie (George), nephews David (Connie) and Tom, nieces Dawn (Chris), Meryl (Paul), and Aimee (Dwayne), and grandchildren Thomas, Peter, and Katherine. He is remembered as a devoted pater familias of the Sullivan family, whose joyful spirit, genuine kindness, and keen intellect were beloved by us all.
Born in Chicago, IL, Jim was a tap dancer and musician in grade school, and attended St. Rita’s High School. Over several summers he spent time with his Great-Uncle George and other family members on the Sullivan Ranch in Jordan, Montana, accumulating stories enough to regale several generations. Following graduation from St. Joseph’s college in Rensselaer, IN, he attended University of Detroit Law School. Upon graduation, he joined the firm Vandeveer Garzia of Detroit, MI, one of the oldest law firms in Michigan, where he successfully practiced law for more than 30 years. Following a move to Palmetto, FL in 2003, Jim became a tax advisor, course leader, and manager at H&R Block.
Jim was a devoted family man, the engine behind many a gathering of family and friends. He was a loyal friend; Jimmy and Shannon knew his lifelong friends as the Uncles (Uncle Dave, Uncle Bob, Uncle Earl, and Mr. Sachs, to name a few). He was a loyal hometown sports team enthusiast, cheering on, over the years, the White Sox, Tigers, Lions, Rays, and Buccaneers. He coached basketball as a law student, and at various points enjoyed playing softball, tennis, and bowling; he was a lifelong golfer who loved the game. Jim was a natural leader, and enjoyed the title of Past Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (he was also a Moose), and most recently serving on the Board of Directors of his association at Terra Ceia Bay. He served on the Board of Directors for the Suncoast Jazz Festival in Clearwater, FL for many years. He loved to travel, enjoy good music and good friends, and to read a good book. He will be missed by one and all.
Uncle Jim, we are so grateful for all the time that we had with you and all the wonderful stories you’d tell. You brought so much joy, happiness and love into our lives and we are forever thankful for you. Thinking back to watching movies in your... moreUncle Jim, we are so grateful for all the time that we had with you and all the wonderful stories you’d tell. You brought so much joy, happiness and love into our lives and we are forever thankful for you. Thinking back to watching movies in your basement, family picnics, our trip to New York, holidays at Grandma’s and at Mom’s, the Washboard Festival, walks on the golf course and lunches at the Clubhouse, we have so many great memories to cherish. We miss you so much and you will live on forever in our hearts. We love you.
Love always, Meryl, Paul, Grace and Emma less
The Schueler children loved their Uncle Jim. He would always play with them and had lots of fun when he visited NY or when we went to Michigan. He was a gentle giant and loved by all. We all will miss him.
It doesn't seem that long ago when I worked with Mr. Sullivan at VG, but I never forgot how kind he was. I have fond memories of working with him. To the Sullivan family, my deepest sympathy. Prayers and good thoughts are with you. Joan Pawlukiewicz
Jim was a great guy. I never would have made it through my first years at HR Block without him. Oh how I enjoyed the many tax discussions we had. After he left there was a void that never got filled. I am so glad I got to know him and work with him. He... moreJim was a great guy. I never would have made it through my first years at HR Block without him. Oh how I enjoyed the many tax discussions we had. After he left there was a void that never got filled. I am so glad I got to know him and work with him. He will be missed by many.
I have many fond memories of Uncle Jim and will miss him greatly! I have lots of those memories when he came to visit us during Christmases when I was just a kid. And the one that stands out the most was when we were all decorating the Christmas tree and... moreI have many fond memories of Uncle Jim and will miss him greatly! I have lots of those memories when he came to visit us during Christmases when I was just a kid. And the one that stands out the most was when we were all decorating the Christmas tree and he picked me up to let me decorate the top of the tree since I couldn't reach it. That Memory and others like it has stood out to me, because that was just who Uncle Jim was. He was a kind, thoughtful, and generous man. I also remember many conversations I had with him regarding golf as well. I am thankful that we moved down to FL a couple years ago which gave us an opportunity to see Uncle Jim a couple more times. I will always cherish these memories and will miss him! less
I am very grateful for Uncle Jim. He was generous and kind to me when I was a child. I’ll never forget the times he would visit us in New York and the fun experiences we had. I am thankful that he was apart of my life and will miss him greatly.
I have so many loving memories of my brother, Jim. Many are from our childhood. We were much in mischief and loved the outdoors. All year we looked forward to our Montana summer vacations. We loved exploring both on foot and horseback, and often raced... moreI have so many loving memories of my brother, Jim. Many are from our childhood. We were much in mischief and loved the outdoors. All year we looked forward to our Montana summer vacations. We loved exploring both on foot and horseback, and often raced our horses. Sometimes, we shared a creek with a herd of our cattle in our favorite swimming hole. It was great fun. Jim always had the gift for telling funny stories and was always good company. We all loved him and will miss him dearly. - Julie Clark. less
My favorite memories go back to the times when Jim and Danni still lived in Michigan. Especially dear were the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter family gatherings at Helen's house. I remember Jim, Tom and Jimmy spending afternoons together at the Shores... moreMy favorite memories go back to the times when Jim and Danni still lived in Michigan. Especially dear were the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter family gatherings at Helen's house. I remember Jim, Tom and Jimmy spending afternoons together at the Shores Theater and going to nearby festivals. Our attendance and celebration of Dave's bar admittance in Detroit was happily shared by Jim and our family. Also, we went to many sporting events. Jim always made sure that everyone had a good time. We also enjoyed our family picnics with Jim and Danni at Lakefront Park. There were so many good times. Jim Sullivan was more than a brother-in-law to me; he was a brother. For our family, he was our patriarch. - George Clark. less
I spent many important times of my life with Jim and Danni.
We lived close in Florida, but not quite close enough to run over for a beer, altho we played a lot of golf together.
We served together on the Board of Directors for Suncoast Jazz... moreI spent many important times of my life with Jim and Danni.
We lived close in Florida, but not quite close enough to run over for a beer, altho we played a lot of golf together.
We served together on the Board of Directors for Suncoast Jazz Festival.
We were like family.
I am lost for words..... I know he is in a better place....and we are all the better for having Jim in our lives. less
Uncle Jim you were the best uncle anyone could ask for. You, my dad, and my big brother were (are) 3 of the men I look up to most in my life. You were always kind to us and always loved us. I will always remember how you used to take us out for ice cream... moreUncle Jim you were the best uncle anyone could ask for. You, my dad, and my big brother were (are) 3 of the men I look up to most in my life. You were always kind to us and always loved us. I will always remember how you used to take us out for ice cream at Stroh's ice cream bar. It was one of my favorite memories! When I was a kid, seeing you meant we were going to do something fun that day. I don't think anyone could ask for more than that in an uncle, but -- even beyond that you were an amazing mentor, leader, and human being. Thank you for helping inspire David to walk in your footsteps so we'll always have a piece of you in David, too. You leave an impression on all of us that we will never forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to Danni and your children and everyone else in the family (especially Danni and my mom who loves you very much). You are missed so much. less
My Uncle Jim always brought cheerfulness to any experience. Many fun times included his taking Jimmy and me to the movies and me with my family to sports events. He was always thoughtful and caring. When an injury caused me to be home bound, he visited... moreMy Uncle Jim always brought cheerfulness to any experience. Many fun times included his taking Jimmy and me to the movies and me with my family to sports events. He was always thoughtful and caring. When an injury caused me to be home bound, he visited me to lift my spirits. Because we shared a love of reading, he brought me a book of mysteries he knew I would like. It would be impossible to tell of all the good times, but I always felt he was there for me. I'll always miss him and I know how blessed I was to have had him for my uncle. less
Jim and Danni have been dear friends and condo neighbors for several years. Jim kidded that Eileen was his "hall monitor" as they met often during her daily walks in front of our apartments. He was a warm, friendly man who will be missed... moreJim and Danni have been dear friends and condo neighbors for several years. Jim kidded that Eileen was his "hall monitor" as they met often during her daily walks in front of our apartments. He was a warm, friendly man who will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to the Sullivan family. less
Heino & Hiltrud&Katja&Family
Wir kennen Gundel seit 1948, so kennen wir auch Jim.
Er war immer da für seine liebe Frau, ganz sicher auch an den vielen Tagen ihrer Zeit im Krankenhaus.
Er liebte unseren Dredner Stollen zu Weihnachten. Den gab es für ihn... moreHeino & Hiltrud&Katja&Family
Wir kennen Gundel seit 1948, so kennen wir auch Jim.
Er war immer da für seine liebe Frau, ganz sicher auch an den vielen Tagen ihrer Zeit im Krankenhaus.
Er liebte unseren Dredner Stollen zu Weihnachten. Den gab es für ihn mit Rührei, nicht ganz typisch.
Unser letztes Geschenk zum 80ten war ein Buch über die irischen Einwanderer in den USA. Er hat sich sehr gefreut. less
I had three men in my life that I called "uncle", two of them were relatives, the other was my Uncle Sull! So many of my early memories involve him and his family. From going to football games at Michigan State and the Silverdome with my dad,... moreI had three men in my life that I called "uncle", two of them were relatives, the other was my Uncle Sull! So many of my early memories involve him and his family. From going to football games at Michigan State and the Silverdome with my dad, Uncle Sull and JImmy to the hundreds of rounds of golf and the Elks club Christmas parties, my childhood was shaped by my dad and his best friend. I can't put into words how much Uncle Sull meant to me. Danni, Shannon, and Jimmy while I kind of knew this was coming, it doesn't make it much easier. He was such an incredible man and friend that, well, I haven't felt nearly this sad about someone passing since my mom. You are all in my thoughts, and I am so sorry for your loss. Brad less
Jim will be GREATLY missed. We have tremendously enjoyed his friendship over the years, as well as Danni's. We have spent many fun evenings with them at the club house and other events among friends. They are always cheerful and caring. Jim and Danni... moreJim will be GREATLY missed. We have tremendously enjoyed his friendship over the years, as well as Danni's. We have spent many fun evenings with them at the club house and other events among friends. They are always cheerful and caring. Jim and Danni shared a love for jazz and art, which we enjoyed as well. We love them both. Cliff and Angela Essig less
In a law firm of litigators, Jim Sullivan was unafraid of any case! He had the greatest attribute that any trial attorney could have. He could disagree without being disagreeable! Rest In Peace, Sully! You have earned it!
Our deepest condolences, Danni, Shannon and Jimmy. Uncle Sull was such an important part of my life from the beginning - all memories are of laughter and good times, he always brought joy to the room. May he rest in peace.
What a ride! 55 years of the more fun than mere mortals are ever supposed to have-especially lawyers. We laughed together, cried together, cheered each other on, listened to each other and solved the entire world's problems together on countless... moreWhat a ride! 55 years of the more fun than mere mortals are ever supposed to have-especially lawyers. We laughed together, cried together, cheered each other on, listened to each other and solved the entire world's problems together on countless occasions. You were a huge positive influence on my kids, Jimmy. All three of them loved "Uncle Jim"! And so do I, my brother!!! I'll see you again, God willing less
My Uncle Jim will be missed more than words can express. He was a truly wonderful, caring, and loving human being. One of my fondest memories was how he would stop at my Grandma’s house on his way home from work to check on her and he always brought... moreMy Uncle Jim will be missed more than words can express. He was a truly wonderful, caring, and loving human being. One of my fondest memories was how he would stop at my Grandma’s house on his way home from work to check on her and he always brought lottery tickets to scratch off. Sending love and hugs to Aunt Danni, Shannon, Tom, Thomas, Peter, Katie, and Jimmy. ❤️ less
A true friend and confidant for 54 years. The memories are awesome, the travels remembered with smiles, and the friendship will never end. Rest In Peace, Uncle Sull.
Jim will be missed by those who have known him. He was a kind, gentle, man who served with wisdom and integrity on the board of directors for our condo.
Danni, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you adored him and supported him selflessly through... moreJim will be missed by those who have known him. He was a kind, gentle, man who served with wisdom and integrity on the board of directors for our condo.
Danni, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you adored him and supported him selflessly through everything.
Condolences to the rest of his family as well.
Joanne Gleason less
Uncle Jim, you will be tremendously missed by everyone, especially by me. You were the best Uncle anyone could wish for, and be blessed to have - And that's an understatement in your case. From all the fun things we did together (family events,... moreUncle Jim, you will be tremendously missed by everyone, especially by me. You were the best Uncle anyone could wish for, and be blessed to have - And that's an understatement in your case. From all the fun things we did together (family events, barbecues, attending Tigers and Lions games, etc.), to your inspiring me to attend law school and become a Lawyer like you, I am extremely grateful for having known you and enjoyed all those times hanging out with you. God bless you and take care up in heaven. less
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