James Sullivan

James (Shawn) Sullivan, age 79, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Aspire Assisted Living.

James was born on December 26, 1945 in Chicago, IL, son of Eugene and Florence (Fradgley) Sullivan. Jim spent his growing up years in Bensenville IL, before heading off to Wisconsin to begin high school at the Capuchin run St. Lawerence Seminary, in Mount Calvary, where he made many life-long friends and deepened his faith. He entered the Capuchin order in 1964 and completed a degree in Philosophy from St. Mary's College in Rensselaer Indiana in 1969. After experiencing a change of heart, Jim moved to Appleton in 1969, where he met, and later married his best friend and partner, Barbara Krieck in December 1972. Together they shared a life of love and adventures, including many camping trips, (always in their trusty tent), and trips to California, Arizona, Florida and the east coast.

Always striving to make other's lives better, Jim held many human service positions during his long career, including as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and later as the Executive Director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services.

He also held positions as a supervisor at Outagamie County Health Center and lastly, as the Guardianship Administrator for ARC of the Fox Cities.

His interests and skills were many and varied-excellent, self-taught cook, excelling in electrical work, plumbing, photography and carpentry; he crafted many Leopold benches for family, friends, and Trout Unlimited.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara Sullivan; son, Michael of Stoughton, WI; brother Steven (Nancy), of the Villages in FL; sisters, Kathy Rackozy (Dennis) of Lake in-the -Hills, IL., Sheila Vranek(Mike), of Crystal Lake, IL., and Eileen Tellier (Rick), of Ormond Beach FL; and other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia; and a niece, Terri.

Burial and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Aspire Senior Care and Asera Care Hospice for the compassionate care of Jim during his final days.