James Sullivan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Sullivan, Jr., on August 4, 2025, at the age of 65. Jim was born on September 29, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Angela Guzman and the late parents of James Michael Sullivan Sr. and Rose Sullivan.

Jim was known as “Sully” by friends and family. He attended high school at Memorial Division High School. After Jim graduated from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force as an aerospace ground equipment specialist. He was a respected craftsman for over 16 years. He brought the same skill, determination, and loyalty into every aspect of his life. After retiring from the Air Force, he went on to work as an Air Compressor Technician in Newport News and Huddleston, Virginia, at Cummins-Wagner, Inc. Jim cherished his time with his wife, Michele, of 27 years, and their two dogs, Bodhi and Finnegan.

Everyone loved Jim, and he was always there, willing to help people, regardless of whether he knew them or not. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, and campfires, and at times being a goofball. He lived in Newport News and moved to Huddleston, Virginia, in 2017.

Left to share and cherish his memories are his wife of 27 years, Michele M. Secaur-Sullivan; his children, Kristen Rose Ortiz-Sullivan, James Michael Sullivan, Jennifer Lea Sullivan, and Joshua Anderson; and his siblings, Linda A. Kretschmer (deceased), Wayne C. Sullivan (deceased), Ann Marie D’Amico, Michael J. Gayle, Steven J. Gayle (deceased), Kathleen B. Sullivan, Colleen E. Finamore, Kevin B. Sullivan, Darlene R. Sullivan, and Eileen I. Ficalora, nine grandchildren, as well as multiple nieces and nephews, and many loving friends.

So, let us not dwell on his passing but celebrate his life, the love he gave, and the lessons he taught us. I know he's smiling down on all of us now.

To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, VA, is assisting the family.