James W. Sullivan was born November 19, 1945 to the late Joseph Sullivan and Alice Lane Sullivan. He was the seventh of 13 children. From an early age James had a determined spirit and strong work ethic that he applied to all aspects of his life, family, school, work and sports.
He graduated from Central Academy High School and accepted a baseball scholarship to Shaw University where he pursued Business and Communications. This career choice combined with his love of music and vibrant personality let him hit the airwaves of Roanoke’s WTOY Radio as DJ Jimmy Soul. He was employed with and retired from General Electric, Salem, after 32 years of service. In addition he started a commercial cleaning company, United Janitorial Service, which he co-owned with his wife.
On July 1, 1967, James married Alease Meade of Hollins. To this union five daughters were born. James was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses September 27, 2008 and was a member of the Troutville congregation. He enjoyed the ministry especially sharing Psalm 83:18 with others inviting them to learn God’s name, Jehovah.
On February 6, 2021 James fell asleep in death.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice Sullivan; brothers, Paul, Sherman and William Sullivan; and sister, Marie Sullivan Jones. Those left to cherish James’ memory are his wife of 53 years, Alease Meade Sullivan; daughters, Cheryl Sullivan Willis, Sandra Sullivan, Sonya Sullivan, Amy Moody (Jermain), and Crystal Sullivan; grandchildren, A. Zac Willis (Ashley), Jasmine Willis, Xavier Willis, A. Meade Mayo, A. Layne Sullivan, Quinn Moody; great-grandchild, Aaron Willis Jr.; siblings, Joseph Sullivan (Hilda), Matthew Earl Sullivan (Denise), Robert Sullivan, Louise Pierce, Richard Sullivan, Samuel Sullivan, Rachel Sorenson (Bill); and a large host of family and friends.
The celebration of James’s life was broadcast 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6 through Zoom at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82141816553?pwd=czZpR1Z4a2xTZzd2bTE4cTYxN2Rpdz09.
