James William Sully

James William Sully August 2, 1927 - September 22, 2010 James William Sully, lovingly known to his family and friends as Skipper Jim, left those he loved on this earth on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 and took his place in heaven with those who preceded him. He was greeted on his heavenly arrival by his son, Chris, his "other" son, Ben; his sister, Connie and his best friend, Patrick. Jim was born in Nebraska on August 2, 1927 and he liked to tell everyone he was almost a California native as he arrived in California at an early age. Jim was a sailor practically from the day of his birth and at one time he worked on fishing boats and had one of his own. He was an engineer working in aerospace, and worked for the United Nations for several years in Indonesia. He used to say if he put a pin in a map for every place he had been it would be full of pins, but he was always searching for new adventures and experiences everywhere he went. He lived the last 39 years of his life in Huntington Beach, California and he and his wife Ruth took several long ocean passages in their 33' sailboat to Hawaii. He assisted in the delivery of several of the recent Trans-Pac vessels from Hawaii to the Mainland. Jim was an avid cyclist and for many years he spent a lot of his time with his bicycling friends exploring new bike trails and just enjoying a long ride. He rode in the Tour De Tucson several times with his brother-in-law, Wally, from Scottsdale, AZ. Jim also loved to take classes in shooting and teach classes in shooting. He was an active NRA member, and he enjoyed the challenge of learning intricate things about shooting weapons. He was meticulous and specific in his pursuit of his hobbies, but he would never refer to them as hobbies. He loved life and wanted to experience all it offered to him. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; his brothers, Dan and Rodger; along with his son, Michael; daughter, Kathleen and his other sons, Matt and Ken, and his other daughter, Heidi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, granddaughters and grandsons. Jim had a deep and abiding faith and was a member of Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, CA. Jim Sully was a special man. He had a smile that would light up the room and he always had a kind word for everyone. He would always remember a name, and after meeting him you would feel as if you had known him for years. The world is a lesser place with the passing of Jim, but Heaven is a richer place with our loss. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 30 at Heritage Memorial, 17712 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, with a Rosary following at 7-8 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be at Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 8345 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach on Friday, October 1st at 8:30 a.m. There will be a brunch reception in the Parish Hall following the service for all who wish to attend.