p3-obit-fr-sullivan.jpg CHICAGO - Father James Robert Sullivan, retired priest of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, died Nov. 13 at Smith Village in Chicago, age 88.

He was born in Chicago on July 19, 1920, only child of the late James R. Sr. and Margaret Houlihan Sullivan.

He was ordained a priest on Dec. 19, 1947 and began his ministry as assistant at Visitation Parish in Illiopolis. In March 1953, he was assigned as assistant at St. Francis Xavier in Jerseyvillle. In May 1951 he became an Air Force chaplain, and served his country until June 1974, retiring from the military with the rank of colonel.  

He returned to the Springfield diocese serving as pastor at St. Mary, Litchfield (1974-1976); and Ss. Peter and Paul, Alton (1976-1977). He served as chaplain at Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University, Springfield (1977-1978) and was pastor at Mother of Dolors, Vandalia, and chaplain of the Illinois State Farm, Vandalia (1978-1979).

He was parochial administrator at St. Joseph, Ramsey (1979-1980); and then associate director of the Catholic Newman Center at San Diego State University (1980-1981). He served as pastor of St. Joseph, Carlinville, and chaplain of Blackburn College there from 1981 until his retirement from active ministry in 1986.

Father Sullivan is survived by many cousins.

The concelebrated funeral Mass was held Nov. 15 at St. Linus Church in Oak Lawn. Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Ind., Catholic Charities of Springfield, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago, Xavier Society for the Blind in New York or the Catholic Extension Society.

Heeney-Laughlin Funeral Home, Evergreen Park, was in charge of arrangements.