James Garrett Sullivan

Scarborough – James Garrett Sullivan, 78, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by family at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough after a long illness. Jim was born to the late Lawrence J. and Rita (Boyle) Sullivan on July 29, 1946, in Cambridge, MA.

He attended Sacred Heart High School in Cambridge, graduating in 1964. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an air policeman in Berlin, Germany for four years. After completing his service with the Air Force, he returned to Cambridge where he met Katherine Rohde. They spent several years traveling throughout North America and married in Alameda, CA in 1972. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Farmington, ME where they raised a family and where Jim lived for nearly 50 years.

Jim had a successful career as a self-employed house painter and wallpaper hanger and spent many decades bringing color, beauty, and conversation into the homes of countless customers. He loved Maine but disliked cold weather and chose to spend many winters in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii. He treasured those experiences, and the friends and family he shared them with. He carried his island spirit and favorite traditions home to Maine, such as hosting cherished pau hana sunset gatherings on favorite beaches on Oahu as well as on his porch overlooking Main Street in Farmington. He loved the water and spent countless hours swimming and paddle boarding in tropical waters and at Clearwater Lake in Farmington.

Jim was known for his social spirit and lively sense of humor. He enjoyed getting to know people and had many friends in the Farmington area where he could often be found at the Homestead Bakery or sharing the bench with friends in front of Java Joe’s. He was dedicated to his family and had a lifelong interest in philosophy and spirituality. He enjoyed reading and music and surrounded himself with an extensive library of books and CDs in his home.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, sister Pat Shires, and sister-in-law Janis Loo. He is survived by three children, Sarah Mastine of Denver, Colorado, Rachel (Keith) Lawrence of Gorham, Maine, and John Sullivan (Mandeep Basi) of Montreal, Quebec; four grandchildren, Patrick (Michalee) Collins, Shannon Lawrence, Erin Lawrence, and Emilee Mastine; and one great-grandchild, Kara Collins; sister, Rose Sullivan of Charlotte, North Carolina; brothers, Garrett (Jerelyn) Sullivan of Honolulu, Hawaii, Larry (Sharon) Sullivan of Charlotte, North Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews, and his former wife Katherine “Kay” Sullivan of Freeport, Maine, who remained a dear friend throughout his lifetime.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the incredible staff at Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough and 75 State Street in Portland for their unwavering support, compassion, and care of Jim through his difficult illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in Jim’s memory be made to Maine Veterans’ Homes, 290 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, www.mainevets.org/make-a-gift/, or 75 State Street, 75 State St., Attn: Advancement Office, Portland, ME 04101, www.75statestreet.org/support/.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life for family and friends is planned for later this summer.