Sullivan, James William

February 04, 1922 ~ December 17, 2017

Captain James Sullivan passed away suddenly at his home in Sombra in his 96th  year on December 17, 2017. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty and by his parents William and Evelyn (Dawson) Sullivan. Loving father of Alan (Guelph), Carol (Gary Smith, Montreal).  Cherished grandfather of Victoria of Toronto, Katharine of Guelph, Alexei of Montreal, Elena (Bruno) of Les Cedres and great-grandfather of Taylor.  Survived by his sister Mildred Manser of Sarnia and two nieces Margaret Manser and Mary Fuller.  Jim was a long time employee of Misener Transportation and rose through the ranks to become Captain on the Great Lakes, a position he held for 33 years. In the latter years of his career he was appointed as Commodore of the Fleet. He was a proud member of Sombra Masonic Lodge and was the recipient of the William Mercer Wilson award for Meritorious Service.

Visitation
Friends and family will be received at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, Brigden, on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 7:00-9:00pm.

Funeral Service
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:00am with visitation starting at 10:00am from the funeral home.

Donations
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Charity of Choice.

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Condolences (19)

  1. Saddened to read of Jim’s passing. Worked for many happy years at Scott Misener Steamships (later Misener Transportation) in the Operations Department, dealing directly with the Chief Engineers and Captains. It was THE best job on the planet and Jim was one of the reasons.
    He was an exceptionally talented professional at his craft and a true gentlemen.
    My sincere sympathy to his family.
    :Liz Moorhouse

  2. Alan and Carol, sincere condolences from the Anderson family. Allan always enjoyed his conversations with your Dad. It has been years since I have seen either of you but the memories of you and your family are wonderful ones.

  3. Our most sincere sympathies to Al and Carol and your families at this difficult time. Your dad was, I’m sure, so very proud of you both, and the beautiful families you’ve raised. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. just read of your dads passing. So sorry for your loss. Otherwise I hope things are going well for you and yours.

  5. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this time of loss, Al.
    May your father be in resting peace.

  6. Dear Al,

    I was saddened to hear by the loss of your dear father James Captain Sullivan. Please accept my and my family’s most sincere condolences.

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

    Sincerely,
    Istvan Rajcan

  7. I was so very saddened to hear of Jimmy’s death. He was a good and independent man who loved his family dearly, and will be greatly missed. My condolences to all of his family.

  8. Captain Sullivan was a dear friend and Brother Mason to all at ST. Clair Masonic Lodge. My condolences go out to Carol and Allan and Families. Your Dad was a wonderful man and extremely well versed about the Great Lakes . I had the pleasure of stopping for several visits and chats about his time on the lakes. He was also a good sounding board on many subject , never lacking for an opinion and often giving good advise. We will miss him always.

  9. I only met Capt. Sullivan once at the Sombra Museum when Capt. Bouman and his good friend Capt. Sullivan gave a talk on their sailing days on the Great Lakes. . I remember Lars telling me he had talked Capt. Sullivan into wearing his uniform. How fitting and nice it was, I am sure Capt. Sullivan was Lar’s mentor as he told me so much about him. So many good memories . What a great legacy Capt. Sullivan has left, My sincere condolences to all his family.

  10. I remember many happy times spent with “Jimmy” Sullivan. He shared his memorabilia from his times as a Great Lakes Captain, told of wonderful memories of his times on the Great Lakes. He was also very proud of his children and their accomplishments. His love of his late wife was commendable and his acknowledgement of her work in raising their children was, I’m sure well deserved. I loved to see him walk into church, very independent. A special individual to say the least.

  11. Dear Al and family,
    We are so saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. We’re thinking of you with lots of love during this difficult time.
    Love Jonie & Lou Boccia

  12. Al,
    Our deepest condolences on the loss of you father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Linda & Enzo Castagna

  13. Jim Sullivan, Capt. Jim Sullivan. He was always Capt. Sullivan. We had so many wonderful conversations about ships, the people manning them, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. He was always so current, details as though it was yesterday when indeed it might have been 1948! However, it was later (post retirement) we (as neighbours) got to know Jim Sullivan, the person. He was a boy once, hanging out at he Courtright dock with friends, but never learning to swim. A young man on a farm that had no water……fortunately for them the St. Clair wasn’t far away. Courting Betty and planning a life together. Building a house, raising a family. We were able to gain such insight to a well respected neighbour and friend. Those times spent together are now so precious. And that’s what we have to remember him. As long as the ships continue to pass our door, the St. Clair keeps flowing, Jim will never be far away. Thanks for the memories!
    Captain Lars & Rene Bouman

  14. To The Family of James Sullivan
    Hearing many stories from Wayne and Dennis Robinson about Jim, know that he will be missed by many. Surely the stories will continue and the memories treasured of times together with family and friends. Sincere condolences to all who knew, respected, loved, and treasured his friendship..
    Elsbeth McCormick

  15. To the Captain’s family,
    It was my pleasure to have sailed with Captain Sullivan on the J.N.McWATTERS in the capacity of Second Engineer and Relief Chief Engineer for Misener Transportation. He had a great way about him of getting things done properly. In the time I spent with him I can’t remember seeing him upset or angry once. With his leadership we all learned how to improve on getting things done and maintaining good shipboard cooperation.

  16. Our sincere sympathy to Carol, Alan and families. We had the good fortune of spending several years in the Sombra community and getting to know Betty and Jim through Church and community activities. May the memories of a loving father and grandfather strengthen and comfort you in these days of sorrow.
    May you feel the peace and love of our Heavenly Father surrounding your families this Christmas.

  17. So sorry to hear of the passing of Captain Sullivan. It was back in 1964 on the Ralph Misener when I first had the pleasure of meeting Captain Sulllivan and he gave me my first wheeling job. A great guy and I feel hournered to have had the pleasure of knowing him. My condolences go out to his family.
    Captain Ken Ford

  18. I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Commodore Jimmy Sullivan. He was an honest and courageous man and an expert and professional Ship Master, respected by his peers and employer. Bill Moran and I had every intention to visiting Jimmy this past fall. But alas, fate intervened and we had to postpone our visit until the spring. Again fate has intervened but with sad finality. Jimmy has left a lasting impression on me because of his courage, brutal frankness and kind sincerity. He always stood his ground. My sincere condolences to Commodore James Sullivan’s family.
    Scott A. Misener