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J.M. Sullivan Obituary
PEORIA - J.M. "Sully" Sullivan of Peoria passed away at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at his residence.
He was born to H.T. "Tommy" and Colleen Kelleher Sullivan in Peoria on Easter Sunday. He grew up in St. Patrick's Parish, where he received his First Communion from Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. He then became a member of Sacred Heart Church.
Sully was in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Sep) in Dak To, Vietnam, and in the 18th Airborne Corps, United States Army.
He attended Illinois State University, where he founded the Gamma Sigma Nu Fraternity, which later became the Sigma Nu Fraternity.
After college, Sully worked in pubs and in wholesale in Bloomington. In 1979, Sully moved back to Peoria and founded his first two bars, Sully's Beach Club and Sully's Irish Pub, both of which were located in Peoria Heights. Subsequently, Sully founded Sully's Pub and Cafe on Adams Street, Champions on Farmington Road, Sullivan Rock Cafe on Sterling Avenue, Texas Cafe on North Adams Street, Sullivan's Other Planet (SOP), ZZ Pops on Main Street, and Khaki Jacks on Allen Road.
Sully also served as sales manager for the Peoria Rivermen hockey team.
In 1998, Sully met his wife, Molly (Mihm). Sully and Molly were married on May 20, 2006. Together, they re-established Sullivan's Pub on Main Street and F. Scott's Whiskey Bar on Jefferson Street. In 2008, they established Sullivan's in Peoria Heights. Over the years, they also designed and decorated other Peoria restaurants.
Sully was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.
Surviving are his wife, Molly (Mihm) Sullivan; his daughter, Becky (Jim) Myszka of Wisconsin and their four children, Matt, Ben, Katie and John; his mother, Colleen; his sisters, Maureen (Brice) Baumgarten, Dodie (Steve) Gomer, Margaret (Chuck) Walter, Becky (John) Blasek, Tracy (John) Meisinger, Susie Blasek, Mary (Danny) Arnold and Colleen (Dave) DeFord; and one brother, Pat (Lark). Also surviving are his beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of Peoria, Monsignor Paul Showalter and the Rev. Bert Heise will be officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the cathedral. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Sandwich Program, 504 Fulton St., Peoria, IL 61602. Additional contributions may be made to your local, independently owned neighborhood bar.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J.M. Sullivan
K S
April 7, 2010
Thank you for the fun environments, which included great food, great music, and fun times for many people! Many of us look back at our "Sully" experience as a benchmark in our life. Thank you again for the many memories! RIP
Mary Fosco
April 7, 2010
To the Sullivan family: I just heard about Jim's death and I am so sorry. I moved away years ago, however I remember Jim from grade school and high school and I always remember what a nice person he was. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Mary Ann Fosco
Scime Family
April 5, 2010
Tracy,John & family-
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. Mike was such an amazing man- his legend will live on forever! We love you!
Susan (Susie) Sullivan-Rakoff
April 5, 2010
To all of my Sullivan kin,
I'm so sad over Mike's passing. Growing up and especially spending time with my same-age Sullivan cousins; Mike, Bobbie (Bennett) and Maureen (McNamara) when we (Uncle Maury's family) would travel to Peoria from Iowa was always lots of fun for me. Mike was so fun loving. I was fascinated with his mischievous nature and I loved his laughter and big heart. And laugh we all did.
You have my love, deepest sympathies and prayers for peace and comfort.
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April 5, 2010
Molly,
I met "Sully" in 1983; he was a kind man and I enjoyed our friendship. My sympathy to you. Our last conversation was about David Scott Crawford and your wedding. He loved you so much.
John Nelson
Chicago, Illinois
Daniel Kelch
April 5, 2010
The Sullivan's, My family always on their birthdays wanted F. Scotts as their place to have a special meal. Mike and Molly you guys made alot of people happy with the opening of that restaurant. May Mike rest in peace Thanks for the memories. Daniel Kelch Family
Enright
April 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers to the Sullivan Family.
Rusty and Kay Enright
April 5, 2010
Pat and Family,
I always enjoyed running into Mike because he was witty and would explain his next idea in detail - kind of like asking the time and learning how to build a watch. John M. Kriegsman
Suzanne Arterburn
April 5, 2010
In loving memory of Sully. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Suzanne Arterburn and Brad Motteler
Dave Bjerke
April 5, 2010
my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time.
Amy V. Poparad
April 4, 2010
Molly and family,
My fond memories of Sully will go on forever. Give it time there will be a "new" bar in heaven. He will be missed. He was our movie star. Molly, you are the women behind "the" man. God bless you.
Verna Tiarks
April 4, 2010
Maureen & Sullivan Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you..What a legacy Sully has left for Peoria.
Carl & Verna Tiarks(Super Liquors)
April 4, 2010
To all of our Sullivan's:
Our deepest love & thoughts are with all of you. Mike was forever young.
Even though I was never with him when we didn't get into trouble, it was always worth it.
With all our love & prayers,
Tim Sullivan & Family
K F
April 3, 2010
Thank You! Sully was truely an inspiration! My prayers go to all his loved ones until you meet again .He will be forever missed. And Peoria will never be the same.
Daniel Williams
April 3, 2010
Sully, Thanks for the cheer, joy and happiness you have brought to all, you will be greatly missed.
The Bishop and Williams Familly
April 3, 2010
To Molly and the Sullivan Family,it is with great sorrow that I learned of "Sullys" passing.I know he will be in good hands with "OUR FATHER".He and I enjoyed a multiude of good times together,I will sorely miss him.He always made you welcome.He will be in Our prayers,GOD BLESS.Ken&Sharon Dotson,Palmetto,Fl./Peoria,Il.
Debra Cioni
April 3, 2010
Dear Kelleher/Sullivan Families:
Sully was an extrodinary visionary.
He could take raw materials and create a palace.
Peoria has been changed by his talents and style.
He will never be forgotten.
Bless him for his valor in the military as well.
Blessings<
~d e b r a~
Debra Cioni
MICHAEL WINTERS
April 2, 2010
TO THE SULLIVAN FAMILY: WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SORROW AND REGRET WITH MICHAELS' PASSING.
WE ONLY SAW MICHAEL EVERY FEW YEARS, BUT EACH TIME IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
WITH OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS.
MICHAEL WINTERS AND FAMILY.
Dawn Bahan
April 2, 2010
Sully, you have brought so many wonderful establishments to the Peoria area. Peoria will surely miss you. I enjoyed the times I was able to sit down and share stories with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Molly and your family.
Diane Frederick
April 2, 2010
Dear Colleen and the "Sullivan kids,"
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with the Sullivan family. I've lost touch with many of you, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie Crow
April 2, 2010
Molly and Family-
I worked for Sully and Pat at Sullivan's many years ago while I was a college student. Sully was a good man and always made everyone feel good about themselves. His smile was contagious! I hope that the amazing memories you have will help ease the pain of missing him. I have laughed and smiled many times over the last couple of days remembering the good times. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Gott Crow
April 2, 2010
Colleen,
I remember going over to your house with Kathleen Bennett as a child..
Having been an only child, I loved all the activity and kids at your home!!!
I remember one time when my mom was in the hospital and Kathleen took me over to your house and you made me a chocolate cake for my birthday!!
You did an absolutely fabulous job raising your children and all the other stray kids that would wander into your house!!
God Bless you, Colleen!
I am sure that Mike is up in heaven eating Corn Beef and cabbage and smiling on his terrific mom...
Sherry Griggs
Larry Vielhak
April 2, 2010
I have never worked for a better boss than Sully, My time at F.Scotts was the best ever, thanks to Sully and Molly. When I moved to Hawaii, Sully told me with a straight face, watch out for falling coconuts because they kill more people than anything else and he was right! My heart goes out to Molly and their families. Sully was just the best ever.
Jeannie Foss-Turner
April 2, 2010
Molly and Sullivan Family. I was so very sorry to hear about Sully. My memories will always be wonderful ones. He was one of a kind and a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jeannie Foss-Turner
Allison Worley Demanes
April 2, 2010
Mrs Sullivan,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. Growing up your family was amazing to me, always something happening at your house, never a dull moment. You had 10 children that grew up giving so much back to our community.
You are a beautiful, loving lady that has a beautiful family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Sullivan
April 2, 2010
I will never forget the times we had in peoria hieghts.
Becky Hightower
April 2, 2010
Sorry for your loss. I will remember your family in prayer this Easter holiday. I know Becky Blasek from St. Bernard's.
Sincerely,
Becky(Schaumburg)Hightower
April 2, 2010
Sully, thanks for all the amazing memories. You will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with your family.
Jennifer Denny
David and Rachel Wickness
April 2, 2010
Deepest sympathy to Sully's family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Michael Hanley
April 2, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 2, 2010
Mary, So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I didn't know that he was sick. Tell your mom how sorry I am. And you our in our thoughts.
Love You
Judy
April 2, 2010
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May your happy memories help you through your grief.
Mary Kay Reynolds Powell
April 2, 2010
One of the first things I remember after moving to Peoria was Sully and this family. For to short of time our families were so close I thought we were related. In second grade my family moved and I lost track of Sully until 1973. We ran into each other in a bar in Bloomington and all those years melted away.
Every time I saw him after that I knew he would greet me with a friendly hello and 'how have you been doing Mac?". Sully had class and he was always okay by me. I and many others are missing him.
Patrick McLaughlin
Jeanne and Steve Davis
April 2, 2010
We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to Sully's family and friends. Peoria will surely miss him!
Linda Rinner
April 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 2, 2010
Sully, you are amazing. You still manage to give us that last laugh. Our prayers and thoughts to Molly and your efamily. You will be greatly missed.
Thanks for being you.
Tony, Deb, Nicco Moreschi
C G
April 2, 2010
God Speed!
April 2, 2010
Thanks for defining what honorable means. Thanks for treating people with decency. Thanks for being most respectable. Thanks for all of the good times. Thanks for your philanthropy. You will not be forgotten in my book or many others. I pray that God blesses you as you did others. Peace
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