James Walter O'Sullivan

On July 24, 2025, at 6:25 a.m. in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, James Walter O’Sullivan passed away from Prostate Cancer and after a long decline with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), a rare cognitive-visual variant of Alzheimer's Disease.

James was born on July 22, 1943, in Romford, Essex, England. He was the second child of James O'Sullivan, originally from Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, Ireland, and Olive Maud Pugh of London. His birth came near the end of World War Il, in an area often targeted by German bombers due to its proximity to the UK's largest Ford factory, where his father worked.

James's early years were marked by adversity and resilience. He lost his mother to cancer as a child, and found solace in birdwatching and geology. At age 11, he earned a place at St.lgnatius College, a Jesuit grammar school known for its strictdiscipline. There, he excelled academically and shone on the rugby field, catching the attention of scouts.

At 17, James began college in London, where he studied physics and chemistry. He earned his B.Sc, while working to support himself. He started out as a research assistant with a chemical manufacturer and later helped develop lubricating oils. He then worked as a sales engineer for the steel industry, and went on to become a product development engineer and marketing project manager for Amoco UK.

In 1971 James moved to the United States to attend the University of Notre Dame. He received his MBA in 1973. During his time at Notre Dame, he started the International Students Radio Hour, where he played a wide variety of music, including his beloved Irish tunes, and interviewed visiting dignitaries. He also enthusiastically learned about American football.

After graduating from Notre Dame, James built a career in international banking and investments. He held positions at Bankers Trust, Olin Chemicals, Consolidated Aluminum, and W.R. Grace. He spent ten years with Citibank as Group Financial Controller with both the Investment Management Group and Private Banking Group. His work took him all over the world. In the early 1990s, he left the corporate world to develop his own proprietary investment software, using neural network technology. James became a pioneer in this field, speaking at major conferences and being featured in books and journals. He used this technology to form and manage his own investment company for the next decade. In retirement, James lectured, taught OLLI classes, and led a monthly discussion group (Cosmos) on economics and world affairs.

James married Angela in 1973, and together they settled in Easton, Connecticut, for the next 27 years. Their sons were his pride and joy; he delighted them with quizzes, jokes, riddles, and unique expressions. James loved hiking, leading Boy Scout winter campouts, coaching soccer, learning to ski, and tirelessly maintaining their backyard on the Mill River. He also served on school committees. In 2000, after becoming empty-nesters, James and Angela downsized and moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. They enjoyed six years there, followed by sixteen years near the ocean in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and finally moved to Charlottesville to be closer to their sons and families.

James was known for his keen insight and intellect. As he grew older, his wisdom only deepened He believed that what you leave behind is not engraved in stone, but woven into the lives of others. Even as his health declined over the past eight years, he faced his journey with pragmatism. He never indulged in self-pity or questioned the difficult path that lay ahead.

James was a devoted husband, and a proud, loving father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 51 years, Angela; his sons Roan of Philadelphia, PA, Colin (Ira) of Falls Church, VA, John-Patrick (Alyson) of Glenmore, VA, and Christopher of Charlottesville, VA; and his seven grandchildren: Shane, Sofia, Sophie, Nora, Luna, Emalyn, and Hana. He also leaves behind his sisters, Maureen Cronin and Eileen Marks (John) in the UK; his brother, Dr. Patrick O'Sullivan (Fiona) in Ireland; his brother and sister-in-law Dr. Peter and Jane Tugwell in Canada, and sister-in-law Penelope Tugwell, in the UK. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by two younger brothers, Kevin O'Sullivan and Tony O'Sullivan (in the UK).

A 'Celebration of James' life' service will be announced at a later date by the family