James J. Sullivan

Albany-The angels finally called their little shamrock home. James J. Sullivan, 89, passed away at the VA Hospital on Monday, April 6, 2015. Born in Rensselaer, NY on October 16, 1925, Jim was the youngest of seven. He was the brother of Rob, Tim, Jack, Ang, Alice, and Jane. He was the son of Mary Duff Sullivan and Timothy Sullivan. Jim liked to tell his family about his experiences growing up in the Great Depression like sleeping three to a bed to keep warm. The stories of his brothers and sisters growing up were like a James Cagney/Pat O’Brien movie. Although they were poor, he always remembers having a meal on the table and he was proud of that. Jim was 22 when he met his soul mate for life, his wife Betty. He was a combat veteran of the Korean War. He served in the 2nd Calvary Division and participated in the operation names Thunderbolt, Killer, and Ripper, better known as Heartbreak Ridge. When Jim returned from the war he continued his job as a brakeman for the New York Central Railroad. In 1967, Jim was involved in the largest freight train accident in New York at the time. He lost six of his friends that day and told a NY Times reporter that it was like reliving the war all over again. By paying his dues and working evenings he was promoted to head conductor for Amtrak. Jim was ranked 3rd in the nation for seniority working 47 years for the railroad. In 1958, Jim moved his family uptown to Forest Avenue where he had his orange brick ranch with the giant backyard. Back in the day, all the neighborhood kids would gather there and their parents knew they could be found at the Sullivan’s. One of Jim’s passions was dressing up and looking sharp. He had a love for reading and was a frequent visitor to the Albany Public Libraries. He had a strong faith in the church and was a communicant of St. Teresa of Avila until it closed. He volunteered for many years at the VA and would call it his second home. He participated in the Senior Olympics in Kansas and won one gold and two silver medals. Jim was a great, caring man and a wonderful provider for his family. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Sullivan and his children, Daniel (Sue) Sullivan and Jacqueline (Sean) Zeilman. He was predeceased by his son, James Sullivan. He had four grandchildren, Cody Sullivan and Haleigh, Hannah, and Hayden Zeilman whom he loved to spend time with. The care Jim received over the years at the VA was a blessing right to the end. The family would like to send a special thank you to Nell and Marilee who showed great compassion for Jim. As Jim would say, “LaDeeDee LaDeeDa!” Funeral services Friday, April 10, 2015 at 10:30 am in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit Thursday, April 9, 2015 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions, light a candle or view other helpful services please visit www. McveighFuneralHome.com

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James J. Sullivan

October 16, 1925 - April 6, 2015