James Sullivan

James P. Sullivan, 93, of So. Pasadena, FL passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System under the care of hospice.

Jim was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.  He was active in high school sports and pitched a no hitter as well as played on the football team.  He was in the army as a medic during WWII and there he met a beautiful nurse, Janice, who later became his wife and mother of their 4 children.  They lived in Columbus and then moved to Greenville, Ohio where Janice was born and raised.  He worked and retired from General Motors.  They moved to South Pasadena, Florida just a short walk from St. Petersburg Beach. 

Janice passed away after several short years in Florida.  Jim was blessed to meet a recent widow Ruth Schmitt, who lived just doors from Jim’s brother in Columbus.  They became very close and this beautiful friendship continued until his passing.  Jim’s daughter, Elizabeth Joan Sullivan from Pleasanton, California, made several trips a year to visit her father.  His son, John Michael of Centerville, Ohio, also visited him often.  Son, Richard lives in St. Petersburg.  He was preceded in death by his son, James Patrick, Jr.

Jim had recently moved from his single family home to assisted living at Freedom Inn in St. Pete.  The great food, care, socialization, many friends and outings was a wonderful place for him to spend his last 9 months.  He was fortunate to have been well all his life until his last few weeks. 

He passed peacefully.  He was a gentle man, sensative and caring, the best father and friend you could have be blessed to know.  We are at peace having known and shared his life.  We will miss his wonderful laugh! 

There will be a graveside memorial service at 1PM on Saturday, March 7th at Bay Pines National Cemetery with Chaplain Jeff Patet officiating and military honors by the US Army.  Interment will follow at a later time.