James F. Sullivan

James F. Sullivan, 81, of Ludlow, died peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2015. He was the son of the late Raymond F. and Julia M. (Boyle) Sullivan. He was the founder and owner of the James F. Sullivan Insurance Agency, Inc., in West Springfield for 35 years. Jim received his CPCU professional designation and was a licensed public adjustor. Jim was a graduate of Cathedral High School and graduated in 1955 from the University of Massachusetts, with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance, Jim was the first recipient of the UMASS Chancellor�s Medal, the highest single award from the University. He also served on the UMass Advisory Council for the Isenberg School of Management; was a member of the Chancellor�s Council and a life-member of the Alumni Association. Jim was a trustee of the Elms College in Chicopee, where he endowed two scholarships, and was a trustee of Cathedral High School in Springfield. Jim served as a director to Hilltop Services of West Springfield, volunteered at Baystate Medical Center and was a member of the Board of Directors for Downey Side. For over thirty- five years Jim awarded two scholarships annually to students at the University of Massachusetts Isenburg School of Management and one scholarship annually to a student at Western New England College. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus since the early 1950�s. He initially joined the Knights of Columbus in Indian Orchard, became an officer in Meriden, CT, then to St. Michael�s in East Longmeadow. Before entering the insurance business, Jim was an accountant for American Writing Paper, Holyoke Corporate Tax Examiner for the State of Connecticut and an internal auditor for International Silver Co. of Meriden CT and KV Homes. As a young boy Jim belonged to the Holy Name Boy Scout troop and delivered newspapers for the Forest Park News and circulars for the former G. Fox & Co. During his teenage years he worked for Slattery Concessions in Forest Park. While in college, Jim did bookkeeping and accounting for John Gallagher in Springfield and John H. Goodwill in Agawam. He was a member of the Greater Springfield Association of Insurance Agents and served on their Board of Directors and was a member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of directors of Autumn Lake in the Brooks, in Bonita Springs FL, as President and treasurer. Jim has resided in Ludlow since 1983. He was a communicant at St. Mary�s Church and served as a parish council member, and has more recently been a communicant at St. Cecilia�s in Wilbraham. He attended Mass 3 times per week and every Sunday. He leaves his wife of 32 years Sally of Ludlow; one sister, Maureen T. Sullivan of Belmont and Cape Cod, MA and Sarasota FL; two sons: John F. Sullivan and his wife Suzette of East Longmeadow and Andrew B. Johnston III and his wife Laurinda of Belchertown; four daughters: Kathleen E. McBryar and her husband Jim of Westfield, Karen A. Adams and her husband Jeff of New Milford, CT, Laurie M. Sullivan and her husband George Flanagan of Hampden and Mary Jo (Bay) Sullivan of Hampden, and two daughters-in-law Kathleen Pappas and her husband Chuck of West Springfield and Amanda Sullivan of Springfield, and nineteen grandchildren: Kyle, Sheila, and Sean Sullivan; Aaron and Alyssa McBryar, Heather and John Adams; Nicole and Jason Erhardt; Jamie Sullivan and her husband John; Hannah, Kayla, Julia & Emma Wood, Andrew B. Johnston IV , Julie Flanagan, Beth (Flanagan) Bond and her husband Christopher; Charles Flanagan and his wife Suzanne; and Alyssa Pappas. Jim leaves five great-grandsons, James Charles Flanagan, Ryan Christopher Flanagan, Henry Flanagan Bond, Charles Patrick Brian Bond, and Logan Michael Sullivan. He was predeceased by his former wife Mary Grace (Garavel) Sullivan and their son Kevin R. Sullivan. Jim loved the Boston Red Sox, and was season-ticket holder for their spring training games in Fort Myers, FL, the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and the UMASS athletic teams. All his many friends and family will dearly miss him. Family and friends may meet for Jim�s Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cecilia�s Church, 42 Main Street in Wilbraham on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 11:30AM. Calling hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, January 1st at the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Jim�s son�s memory may be made to the Kevin R. Sullivan Scholarship Fund, C/O University of Massachusetts, Attn. Janet Muzzy, 132 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003. The Sullivan family wants to acknowledge Helen Murphy Avis and her staff for the compassionate care given to Jim along with George Flanagan.