Obituary of James R. Sullivan Sr.

Sullivan Sr., James R.

Greenbush, MI & Venice, FL

Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida. He was 92 years old. James Robert Sullivan was born on February 7, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late William and Helen (Kostrzewa) Sullivan. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Cathedral, class of 1950. James married Rita Jankowski on February 16, 1952, and was blessed with 49 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2001. James then married Joan Reimer-Spence in 2002; the two enjoyed 17 years together, she preceded him in death on October 14, 2020.

Along with his brothers, Richard, William and Patrick, James was an owner and operator of the family’s restaurant, Sullivan’s, until his retirement. James was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Harrisville, MI for many years. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Greenbush, MI, Au Gres, MI and his condo in Venice, FL, he also loved helping others. But what James really loved most was spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are five children: Daniel (Virginia) Sullivan of Chandler, AZ, Terrance (Jill) Sullivan of Venice FL, Michael (Pearl) Sullivan of Houston, TX, Bradley Sullivan of Jacksonville, FL, Christopher (Kirsten) Sullivan of Palmetto, FL. 11 grandchildren:  Aaron Sullivan, Matt (Julia) Sullivan, Jordan (Aery) Sullivan, Joshua Sullivan, Kaitlyn (Jacob) Diaz, Adam (Gloria) Sullivan, Eric Sullivan, Nikki (Travis) Trembath, Sydney (Aundrey) Jackson, Danielle Sullivan, Lovely Joy Gabayan: 16 great-grandchildren: two sisters and one brother, Maureen (Patrick) Brady, Suzanne Sevo, Patrick (Hanny) Sullivan and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

James was preceded in death by his son, James R. “Gus” Sullivan Jr, his daughter, Maureen O’Neill, brothers Richard Sullivan and William Sullivan.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 110 S. State Street, Harrisville, MI 48740. Rev. Fr. Basil Lek will officiate. Committal service will follow at St. Anne Cemetery in Harrisville, MI.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at St. Anne Catholic Church, 110 S. State Street, Harrisville, MI 48740 on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Anne Catholic Church, Harrisville, MI.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sullivan family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.