James "Jim" Sullivan

James Patrick "Jim" Sullivan, 85, of Pillager passed away peacefully during the early morning Saturday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Riverside Assisted Living in Pillager.

There will be a Celebration of Life Nov. 21 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with a Catholic memorial service at 6 and a light meal to follow at the Brained American Legion.

Jim was born Nov. 28, 1939, in Chicago to James and Helen Sullivan. He grew up on the south side of Chicago. His parents passed away at an early age and Jim was on his own at the age of 14.

He spent some of his younger years at St. Mary's Orphanage in Chicago. His two aunts, Jewel and Marge, influenced his life greatly in his early years. He was employed at a young age at the Chicago Stockyards and then later went to work as an arborist with the city of Chicago.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda Janis, in Chicago 1957. They lived and started their family in Worth, Ill., for several years before moving to Pillager in 1973.

In Pillager, Jim established a small farm and started a business doing tree work and land clearing. He worked to clear utility lines for Crow Wing Power Cooperative and worked doing land clearing in the multi-county area.

Jim was a master gardener and took great care in the planting and maintenance of his plants at several locations. He was the official gardener at Riverside Assisted Living up until the time of his passing.

Jim took great care and pride in his plantings and worked tirelessly at making sure the plants were well tended and thrived. Residents will miss Jim's enthusiasm and love for his plants.

Jim had a great love of country music, western movies and colored pencil artwork in the later years of his life. Jim created many beautiful pieces and spent countless hours honing this craft.

Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen of California and brother Thomas of Illinois. Jim will be deeply missed by his children, Tina Bickford of Baxter, Teresa (John) Ringle of Bemidji, Jimmy (Caroline) Sullivan of Fargo, Jennifer (William) Pirkl of Bemidji and Jessica (Jerrid) Franzen of Pillager; daughter-in law Becky (Ted) Sullivan, 17 grandchildren, Marcie (Curt), Kimberly, William, Samantha (Mike), Kassandra (Eric), Tyrone (Sarah), Eli, Amber, Rachel (Carter), Thomas (Ashley), Ashley, Hayden and Julia, Jake (Kate), Duane, Maisy and Hazel; 12 great-grandchildren, Riley, Lily, Kody, Maxwell, Miranda, Jet, Jay, Josie, Payge, Finley, Oaklyn and Hadley.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen and father James; wife Linda; John and Mary Janis; daughter Tammy (Tessmer); son Theodore "Ted" Sullivan; and sons-in-law Alan Rassler, David Bickford and William Tessmer.

The family would also like to extend a special "thank you" to Becky (Ted) Sullivan, Riverside Assisted Living staff and Moments Hospice for the special end-of-life care they gave Jim.

The Brenny Family Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services of Baxter is handling arrangements.