James H. Sullivan

James H. Sullivan went home to Heaven on January 12, 2016. He was reunited with his Lord, his beautiful bride of 31 years, his Mom & Dad, and Grandparents that he loved so dearly. Jim was known as ""Sully"" to all who were close to him. Sully was born May 27, 1942 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Bill and Madeline Sullivan. He went to Holy Rosary Catholic School and was a very active young man. Growing up in beautiful Idaho, he developed an early appreciation for the great outdoors. He played baseball, golf, was an avid fisherman, hunter and skier. He was active in Boy Scouts and was only one badge short of becoming an Eagle Scout. He lived with his Mom and Grandma & Grandpa while his Dad served in World War II as a Medic in the Philippines. All of the family lived within blocks of one another. He spoke often about having Sunday chicken dinners with the family, and about his Grandma Sarah's homemade bread that she baked every day that was ready when he would arrive home from school. Sully helped care for his little sister Julie after his Mom passed away when he was 14. Several years, later after Grandpa Bill remarried, brother Mike was born. Sully was a proud big brother, and dearly loved his sister and brother. Sully had am amazing work ethic that served him his entire life. He started working as a young man picking potatoes in the potato fields, and then worked at Gobble's Shoe Store, and Greene's Men's store. He worked his way through college and served as Fraternity treasurer which granted him free room & board. He attended University of Idaho, majoring in Business, where he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Sully remained close with his FIJI brothers throughout his life and treasured each and every friendship. It was at U of I that Sully literally ran into the love of his life. Sully and Donna originally met as 8th graders. Donna's Grandfather was the Conductor on the Union Pacific Railroad and took her to Idaho Falls one summer to visit her cousin, who happened to be a classmate of Sully's. Fast forward to the University of Idaho, where Sully and Donna literally ran into one another at the library. At that moment, an amazing love story began. They dated all through college, and quickly fell in love. They enjoyed school, parties, football games, more laughter than any of us could hope to have. Sully often told the story of patiently waiting for Donna for endless hours in the Delta Gamma Sorority House entry way. He said there were several times he got up to leave, and there she would appear on the stairs, in all of her glamorous glory for their date. After college, Donna moved to Washington, DC to work for the Senator of Idaho, Len Jordan, and Sully moved to Virginia to fulfill his Army Commitment. He worked at a classified location for many years - Donna knew only that he put on his suit and boarded a bus every day. The location was recently declassified and Sully would finally answer questions about where he worked, why, what he did every day, etc. Until his last day, he was the best secret-keeper there ever was! Donna and Sully were married November 27, 1965 and moved to Leesburg, VA. On their first Thanksgiving as a married couple, Donna prepared a 27 lb. turkey for just the two of them; she didn't know how to do Thanksgiving any differently! They ate at 11 p.m. and Sully laughed about that each and every Thanksgiving thereafter. During their early married years, they enjoyed the East coast, created memories and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Following his Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, Sully took a job with Western Electric. Not long after, he accepted a position with Mountain Bell and moved to Denver. Donna was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at 18 months of age. As newlyweds, Sully and Donna were advised not to have children. Donna, especially, would hear nothing of medical advice, and she and Sully proceeded to have Mary Katherine, ""Katie"" in May, 1972. The sun rose and set on their little girl. They were overjoyed to have this precocious, spicy, blonde-headed girl. Chocolate-pudding finger paintings, and macaroni-strewn necklaces were deemed works of art. Each and every day, they loved each other, and loved Katie. Sully took great pride in his work and often talked about working ""nights and Sunday's"" for 28 years. Sully's work took his family to Basking Ridge, NJ, Scottsdale, Arizona and finally back to Denver in 1987. Along the way the Sullivan Family was blessed with incredible friends, adventures, travel, and memories that will bless our family forever. Sully was proud of his work, and proud to be able to provide a wonderful life to his wife and daughter. He had a work ethic second to none, and was well respected and admired by his colleagues. He remained close with many of his former colleagues following his retirement in 1990 as a Director, Financial Planning & Assurance for USWest Communications. After retiring, Sully dedicated his life to caring for Donna as her health declined. He took care of her 24/7 and honored his vow to be with her in sickness & health, until death parted them. He cared for her morning, noon and night, without a word of complaint. There was no task too big or small - whatever her need, he was there. Even on the most difficult of days, they remained a committed team - laughing, and loving each other. Donna went home to Heaven October 31, 1996 and Sully missed his beautiful bride each and every day thereafter. After Donna's passing Sully was an avid golfer, spent countless hours fishing on the Arkansas River with his dear friends, volunteered for 18 years at Learning Ally, where he made audio recordings of text books for those with visual impairments, or special learning needs. As you all know, it's me Katie, writing this commentary. I am blessed beyond measure to have been raised by two amazing parents. My Mom and Dad loved each other more than is measureable. Even further, they loved me more than should be humanly possible. My Mom went home to heaven 19 years ago, and today we will honor my Daddy. I know Mom was right there waiting for Dad on January 12th- with a huge hug and kiss, and I am positive she said ""I'm so glad you're finally here! I've been waiting for you! C'mon, let's go fishing - you've NEVER seen fish this big!"" My Dad was a kind, honorable, noble, God-fearing man. We had several discussions in the recent past about God's timing and God's plan. Dad often said ""I place my trust in you, Sweet Jesus."" My Dad was patient, and sweet, and gentle. Dad was not large in stature, but he was a mighty man of Valor. My Dad was ferociously protective of me. He loved me, encouraged me, believed in me, affirmed me. I believed with all my heart that my Dad could hang the moon - and I know that he believed the same of me. He made me laugh harder than anyone I can think of - his quick wit, and hilarious one-liners will live in my heart forever. My Dad is, and will always be my very, very, best friend. I could tell him anything, ask him anything. And I know he would never have left me had he thought I was unprepared. He was unwavering in his Faith in God, in his morals and values. Integrity was non-negotiable for Dad. His handshake was a guarantee, his word was truly his bond. Dad did not use the word ""friend"" lightly. My Dad was a true friend to others, and today he is being honored as the truest of friends. Dad always saw the best in others, was an optimist to a fault. He was quick to help, always thinking of someone else. He was generous, thoughtful, giving and loving. Dad never met a stranger and people were drawn to him instantly. Thank you Mom and Dad for a wonderful life, for loving each other, and for loving me with your whole hearts. Thank you for your commitment to each other, no matter the circumstance. And I must thank you for the contagious laughter that filled our home every day. You two were the funniest, most joy-filled humans I've ever known! I know we will all be together again one day. Thank you dear friends and family for your love, prayers and support and for honoring this amazing, precious man I call my Dad. He truly loved his friends and family, and I know he marvels at this outpouring of love. Hit 'em straight precious Daddy, and I can't wait to catch the big ones with you again one day.