James Buchanan Sullivan III, 62, of Holly Pond, Alabama, entered the presence of our Lord and Savior on December 18, 2023. Mr. Sullivan was born in Jefferson County, Alabama, on March 29, 1961, to James Buchanan Sullivan, Jr., and Jewelene M. Brooks.
James was a graduating member of the Holly Pond Broncos Class of 1979 and is remembered by many in the community as an outstanding football player. Mr. Sullivan was also a member of the Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church family, where he became a child of God in his youth and was baptized. James was talented in many areas, and he was a cheerleader at Wallace State Community College. His boxing skills lead him to be awarded the title of the State Golden Glove Boxer. Mr. Sullivan had the moves, and his disco days are still remembered by many. He worked on the oil rigs for many years and was also a talented welder. James loved to fish and hunt, primarily deer, and he enjoyed turkey shoots. Mr. Sullivan was also an artist who loved to draw the wildlife and nature he respected and enjoyed. Those who knew him well knew that James loved to look good and smell good, and he was never without a hat. He had a very giving heart and he enjoyed sharing what he had with others. James love for his family was without bounds. His daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. Mr. Sullivan not only attended his grandchildren’s sporting events, but he also coached them. Whether he was the official coach or just grandaddy coaching from the sidelines, he was proud of his babies and he gave them loving pointers on how to improve their game. James believed his grandchildren were the most talented athletes on the team and he was always there to offer his support and encouragement. Mr. Sullivan treasured his family, as they did him, and he and his giant bear hugs that were so tight you could not breathe, will be missed so very much.
Mr. Sullivan is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Randy McAlpine, and Bruce McAlpine.
James is survived by his daughters, Misti Chappell (Shane), Brittney Bradford, Christina Bell (Tahlaquah); brothers and sisters, Beverly Allday (Jimmy), Nick McAlpine, Jackie Williams (James), Michelle Sullivan (Dwight); grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Logan, Lettie, Lincoln, Devon, Victoria, Bella, J.P., Averi, Carley, Luna, Arrow; great-grandchildren, Macie and Alaina; sister-in-law, Tammy McAlpine; cousin who was more like a brother, Bo Marks; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m., on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Brad Hadley and Brother Bo Marks officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 noon until services begin. Burial will follow services in Union Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bo’s Blessed Foods. This ministry was special to James, and he would be happy knowing those in our community were being fed on his behalf.
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sullivan family.
James was an avid Alabama football fan and often his hello or goodbye was a simply a Roll Tide, so until Mr. Sullivan is reunited in Heaven with those he loves…ROLL TIDE!
