James F. Sullivan, 86, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Cape Cod Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Ernestine “Tina” (Legassey) Sullivan, with whom he celebrated 46 years of marriage until her passing in 2009.
Born in Somerville on July 31, 1931, he was a son of the late James F. and Julia (Foley) Sullivan. James was a graduate of St. John’s in N. Cambridge with the Class of 1949. He went on to attend Bentley College where he earned his Associates in Accounting in 1951. He worked in Accounting for the Red Sox until 1953 when he enlisted in the military and proudly served as a member of the US Army. He spent his time in the Army stationed in Virginia and worked in Battalion Headquarters for a doctor.
Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, James went on to attend Suffolk University where he earned a Bachelors in Accounting while working nights at the Post Office. He spent several years working in the Accounting Department for Donnelly Manufacturing Company in Boston.
On October 20, 1962, James and Tina were married and during their loving union had three children, Paul, Julie, and Mark.
James went on to work as a Traveling Auditor for Sherwin Williams in Cambridge, then as Director of Collections for Filene’s in Boston. He also worked as an Auditor for Itek Corporation from 1970 to 1974. During this time, he also attended Babson College at night while obtaining his first Masters in Finance. James worked as an Auditor for Kendall Corporation in Boston between 1974 and 1980 while earning his second Masters in Business during that time.
Prior to his retirement, James worked for Colgate Palmolive in Manhattan, NY from 1980 to 1992 as the Director of Credit. Upon retiring, he and Tina built their home on Cape Cod.
In his spare time, James was an avid gardener. He was an active member in church activities from Team Leader (#3) for Monday night Bingo to participating in the Men’s Club.
James is survived and will be deeply missed by his three children, Julie Sullivan and Lindsay Graichen of Hamden, CT, Paul Sullivan and his wife Robin of Vero Beach, FL and Mark Sullivan and his wife Jennifer Holmes of Santa Clara, CA; a granddaughter, Allison Sullivan of Vero Beach, FL; and a sister, Mary Ann Letzeisen of Somerville.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, March 22nd from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt 134, S. Dennis. His Funeral Mass will be held following calling hours at 1 p.m. in Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster. Burial will follow in Brewster Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory c/o Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealames.com
