James (Jim) Patrick Sullivan, of Riverdale, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 79.  Jim was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, and was the third of five children of Irish immigrants Alice and Florence “Robert” Sullivan.  

Jim was a man of strength and service. In his early years, he joined the United States Marines, and later became a NYC police officer serving many communities in both the Bronx and Manhattan.  While working as a police officer, he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from New York University, becoming the first person in his family to attain a college education.  After completing his education, he worked as a counselor and administrator for over 20 years in the New York City School system.

His presence and laughter will be greatly missed by his wife of over 50 years, Diane Sullivan; his children, James P. Sullivan, Jr. and wife, Melissa; his daughter, Kerry Ford and husband, James; and his four grandchildren, Brennan, Connor, Lucas, and Madison.  He is also survived by his sister, Alice Finnerty, sister-in-laws, Hope Dolan, Catherine Thomas, and Jane Smith, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews both near and far. 

He was predeceased by his brothers, Daniel Sullivan and Timothy R. Sullivan.  

Private calling hours for family and close friends will be held from 2 – 5pm, on Friday, December 4 at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. Bronx, NY.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 am at St. Gabriel Church, 3250 Arlington Ave, Bronx, NY 10463.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

Facial coverings are required and adherence to social distancing will be in effect for all memorial services.