Cornelius "Jim" Sullivan, Jr.

Jim Sullivan peacefully passed away on August 16, 2018. Jim was born on December 1, 1934 to Bessie and Cornelius, “Connie”, Sullivan Sr. in Des Moines, Iowa. He always made the time for his neighbors, colleagues, family and friends and was especially connected to the “South Siders” of Des Moines. Jim was always ready to visit and “get connected”.

Jim grew up with a close-knit and extended family starting with his folks and his four sisters. His grandparents, aunts and uncles were nearby. Jim attended Lincoln High School, was Class President and graduated in 1953. He married Sondra Heckman in 1955 and also raised Joe and Susan on the South side of Des Moines. Jim worked for Delavan Manufacturing for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1995 as a cost estimator.

Jim and Sondra traveled the globe including Ireland, Italy, Australia, and Europe. They were very fond of Hawaii and returned there several times, often with family. Jim and Sondra were avid Rail Splitter Alumni. They attended and help plan numerous class reunions.

Jim is survived by his sister, Ann (Jack) Mayer; children, Joe (Amy) Sullivan and Susan (David) Buckley; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Margaret, Patricia and Nancy; and Sondra, his beloved wife.

Six degrees of separation is the idea that all living things and everything else in the world are six or fewer steps away from each other so that a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. Once you knew Jim there was zero degrees of separation. If you knew Jim it was almost certain there was only one degree of separation between you and someone else Jim knew. Jim held us all together probably more than anyone has ever appreciated.

A Visitation and Remembrance will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

The family would like to thank Jim’s caregivers for their consideration and respect for him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in remembrance of Jim.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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