James John Sullivan of Lowell, MA

Mr. James John Sullivan, a resident of Lowell, MA, passed away peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Maureen E. (Miller) Sullivan with whom he celebrated 43 years of marriage.

Born in Andover, MA, he was the cherished son and only child of the late James J. Sullivan and Rose (Lambert) Sullivan. James received his education at St. Augustine’s school in Andover, MA and Hampton Academy in Hampton, NH before graduating from Stoneham High School in 1953. He was raised in Hampton Beach and had fond memories of working in their family-owned business, Sullivan Market, before moving to Stoneham, MA to complete his senior year of high school.

Upon graduating, James proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. when he subsequently took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University. James was hired by Honeywell, Inc. and spent over 30 years traveling the world while cultivating a successful career in Purchasing. He spent the later part of his work life happily working at Cognex, Corp. in Natick, MA.

While attending an impromptu meeting at the Lowell Democrat Society, James met the warm and gregarious Maureen Miller with whom he quickly fell in love. Throughout their courtship, they spent much of their time at Wedelin Ski Club where they made lifelong friends. After marrying, they would raise their five children in the Highlands section of Lowell. He would consider this one of his proudest personal achievements.

Lovingly known as “Gramps”, James valued family most. He is remembered as never having missed a family sporting event, concert, recital, or play. He loved riding the waves on Hampton Beach, foam sword fighting with his grandchildren and sending thoughtfully curated care packages to those he adored. He valued education, was an avid reader, a huge Jimmy Buffet fan and cherished his vacations to Key West, FL.

James is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Sullivan and Gerard De Zutter of Hudson, MA, Kerry and James Rosenblatt of Los Angeles, CA, and Bridget and Joseph Steen of Lowell, MA; his sons, James and Marie Sullivan of Lowell, MA, and Patrick and Jillian Sullivan of West Palm Beach, FL; and his eight grandchildren, Audrey De Zutter, Braden De Zutter, Jack Steen, Catelyn Steen, Ryan Steen, Owen Rosenblatt, Cody Rosenblatt, and Casey Grace Sullivan.  He was the father of the late Molly Sullivan.