James W. Sullivan Jr. – Obituary
James W. Sullivan Jr. spent his final days surrounded by his wife, Catherine, and family, which is exactly as he would have chosen. He left his earthly surroundings and went home to be with the Lord, peacefully, on August 2, 2020.
The legacy he leaves behind cannot really be adequately described in a few short paragraphs. In fact, not even many paragraphs would do his life justice. He was a husband, father, grandfather, a great-grandfather, a great-great-grandfather- a fact of which he was very proud. He spent his life committed to four things: his faith, his family, building something better, and helping anyone who had a need.
A man of great conviction and greater faith, his devotion to his relationship with God was unwavering, and his faith in the saving and redeeming grace of Jesus was unquestionable. Through the happiest moments and the most difficult, he never wavered from his belief. Perhaps as a reflection of that faith, he had a remarkable propensity for creating something where there was nothing. Be it his business, built from the ground up and against all odds and a story he loved to tell, be it his family and the legacy of humans he leaves behind, be it his gardens, his paintings, his home, his memorable Sunday School lessons, or the games he created as opportunities for people to genuinely connect, he was always in the business of building something. Not many days went by where he was content to just sit, without the drive to bring his visions to fruition- a fact that would both inspire and (lovingly) frustrate those close to him as the end of his earthly life neared.
More importantly, and perhaps why commemorative words like this are important in times like these, he helped. So many people have been touched by his wisdom, his generosity, and his willingness to extend himself to support those in need. Even now, in death, his impact on countless individuals and families continues. He undoubtedly imparted his commitment to giving to his family, along with a remarkable streak of stubbornness, his unending tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. We take comfort in knowing that the faith of his life has been fulfilled and he is in the presence of God. He truly lived a life worth celebrating, and he will be held in our hearts and memories until the day we join him.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 9th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Vineland First Church of the Nazarene (Ramoth), 2725 N. Delsea Dr, Vineland, NJ. Social distancing practices will be followed and a face covering is required. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Faith Fellowship Ministries, PO Box 345, Malaga NJ 08328. Arrangements under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.