James "Jimmy" Wilmer Sullivan

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, VA after 32 years of service. In addition he started a commercial cleaning company, United Janitorial Service, which he co-owned with his wife.

July 1, 1967 James married Alease Meade of Hollins, Va. 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, VA 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, 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), 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 family will receive friends from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Saturday, March 6 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville. Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and social distancing, the celebration of James’s life with Paul Houston, Jr. officiating will be broadcast 2:00 pm Saturday, March 6 through Zoom at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82141816553?pwd=czZpR1Z4a2xTZzd2bTE4cTYxN2Rpdz09

Meeting ID: 821 4181 6553
Passcode: 818499

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,82141816553#,,,,*818499# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,82141816553#,,,,*818499# US (New York)


Dial by your location
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 821 4181 6553
Passcode: 818499

Or, you may view the service at 2:00 pm at
www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/James-Sullivan.


Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jimmy" Wilmer Sullivan, please visit our floral store.