James C. Sullivan

Born Sept 12, 1934 in the rural hills of Oklahoma, James came from a large family of 8 boys and 2 girls. Being born in the Depression years, times were tough. His father worked for a logging company and had to move the family frequently following the logging camps. When James was 6 years old, he went to stay with his grandmother for a while. They lived in an abandoned railroad car in isolated conditions. James would walk the 6 miles through the woods alone to get to school each day. He and his siblings grew up knowing what hunger was and how hard life could be.

While his sister Mary learned at an early age to cook and tend things at home, the young boys did what they could to help the family. Even at such young ages, work, if they could find it, meant long days working in the fields and earning about 50¢ a day if they were lucky. When James was in middle school, he and his brother Cecil ("Pete") cut down trees, chopping them into firewood to heat the schoolhouse.

James began serving his country in 1953 when he joined the Army National Guard. He was in the 45th Military Police Command of Atoka, Oklahoma.

In 1955 he married the love of his life, Betty Jean James. Their devotion to each other was steadfast and beautiful to witness. They had 2 children, a son Stephen and a daughter Brenda. They remained happily married for 69 years until Betty's passing in 2025.

James worked his way through college and graduated from Southeastern State University with a degree in Business. He would later go on to complete the P.M.D. (Program for Management Development) at the Harvard Graduate School of Business in Massachusetts. He started his career with Sentry Insurance, ultimately reaching executive management as Regional Vice President and then Vice President of Marketing. He then became President and CEO of American Empire before becoming Senior Vice President of Great American Insurance Company. He finally settled in Alabama where he was President and COO of Stonewall Insurance Company before retiring as President and Chairman of Dixie Insurance Company.

James was an avid fisherman, instilling that joy in his son and daughter at an early age. He loved being on the water. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time at the beach. He loved cooking and always had meals to share with family and friends. He was a devoted basketball and football fan and was loyal to his Dallas Cowboys. He was a faith-filled man with Southern Baptist roots. Early on he was active in his church and taught Sunday School.

To his delight, James became a proud "Papa" with the birth of his twin grandsons Colby and Corey. Fourteen months later he welcomed his granddaughter Ashleigh. He retired shortly thereafter and loved doting on them and being an active part of their lives. He would often take them for rides in their little red wagon which, of course, always ended with a stop at the corner store for ice cream. As they grew, he coached little league baseball, softball, and soccer and helped with all their many other activities. Papa could always be found at every game and dance recital. Family has always been so important to him. Though his brothers and sister lived far apart, family reunions are still held twice a year and family members drove great distances to be together again.

To those who knew him, his love, compassion, and generosity were limitless. He never knew a stranger and always put the needs of others above his own. His warm smile and gentle ways put everyone at ease. He could always be counted on, no matter the need or the time of day or night. As we say goodbye (for now), our comfort is in knowing that he is experiencing unimaginable joy in the presence of our Lord, and that he is reunited with his beloved wife Betty, their son Steve, and all his family and friends who have been waiting for him. Until we meet again, we love you Papa!

James is survived by his daughter Brenda Sullivan O'Dazier; twin grandsons Colby (Kristy) and Corey (Amber) O'Dazier; and great-grandchildren Blaine O'Dazier and Caleb, Hannah, and Rachel Burman, and Bella Mack.

James was preceded in death by his wife Betty, son Stephen, his parents Jefferson Curtison and Roxie Lavada Sullivan (nee Eeds). He is also preceded in death by his brothers Baby Boy Sullivan, David Lee, Calvin Lee, Melvin Lee, and Robert Wesley Sullivan, and his sister Marvie Jolean.

Visitation will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, Alabama 35209, on November 9, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 pm at the same location.

Burial with Military Honors immediately following the service. will take place at Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, on November 9, 2026.