James A. Sullivan

SOUTH PORTLAND - James A Sullivan, 86, who resided in South Portland passed away Tuesday morning after an extended illness He will be remembered as a true humanitarian and a family man who supported his family from the time he was 18 years old when he signed up to join the Army in 1943. After serving in the Army during WWII, Jim used his GI bill earnings to purchase an apartment to house his family and started his career in the grocery business, first with Hannaford Brothers and later with Associated Grocers of New England where he developed lifetime friendships throughout New England. He married Helen Tyrell in 1951 and raised their four children Maureen, Jeffrey, Elizabeth and Daniel in South Portland. Together they purchased their camp on Little Sebago Lake which continues to be the central meeting place for his extended family. Jim loved a simple way of life with strong family values and the traditional respect for family and home. He loved being home surrounded by his family after spending hours on the road, and cherished his garden which was always abundant with fruits and vegetables. He will always be respected and honored by all that knew him and loved by his family. It was "a wonderful life". Jim is survived by his four children, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and sisters Ann Leeman and Mary Moore. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday 8/23/12 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. at the South Portland Chapel on Friday, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial with Military Rites will follow at New Calvary, South Portland. A reception will follow at St John the Evangelist Church Parish Center, Main Street, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.