James Sullivan Obituary

James Earl Sullivan, "Sully", joined his wife and a whole pack of dogs on July 9, 2025, after a life well- traveled and well-loved.
Born in Wisconsin on June 10, 1945, Sully and his mother made themselves a home in Mazomanie. At the age of 10, they became a family with Bob "90" Miller in Mineral Point. He graduated High School in 1964 from Mineral Point High, and on October 28, 1967, Sully took Sharon Hanson's hand in marriage. They started their life together in Dodgeville before settling into their forever home in Mineral Point.
Sharon lovingly tolerated Sully for 50 years, and together they spent their time with family & friends camping, Jeeping and doting on their many dogs. Sully was blessed with Sharon by his side – she gave him the best meals and desserts, a Jeep and camping partner, keeping warm under one of her handmade afghans, and a clean home to come back to. After her passing in 2018, he was overheard saying "Boy do I miss you, I'm lonesome and I never realized how much you did for me." Sully and Sharon-together again.
Sully gave iron work a brief try in Platteville after high school but quickly decided, as he put it, "F***" that and found his true calling in over the road trucking. His OTR career gave him the opportunity to drive for Eustace Trucking in Belmont, Bobby Carey Cattle Company, and eventually spent 13 years hauling in a cab-over International for Mark James Trucking. His passion for driving also earned more than a few speeding tickets – so he eventually settled down and finished his working years driving for Ivey Construction from 1983 until his retirement in 2006.
Anyone who knew Sully & Sharon, knew their love of Jeeps. Having owned 6+ Jeeps over the years & being a founding member of the Country Cadillacs - Four Wheelers, they never missed an opportunity for a Jeep ride. His favorite was mud racing and being in a parade, not to overlook the ice racing, fundraising, riding around the family farm, poker runs, camp outings, truck pulling (with his Jeep), family back road cruising or climbing a hill, there was never a bad day in a Jeep. Sully said it best - "Sharon and I had the best of times with the best of people."
Living his life to the fullest, Sully enjoyed his yearly Deer "Beer" Hunt with his brother, family campouts at the farm, outings at many campgrounds, the annual Rendevous trip to Prairie du Chien and going out to dinner with his loved ones. Through it all, Sully never missed a moment to be with his mom, from a coffee in her living room to picking her up to go anywhere, she was always a bright spot in his life.
Sully leaves behind his sister Mary Jo (Terry) Bystol of Dodgeville, WI; sister Debbie Kieffer of Mineral Point, WI; and brother Bob (Barb) Miller of Dane, WI. He is also survived by his niece Cheryl (Bob) Stivarius of Mineral Point, WI; nephew Michael (Krystal) Kieffer of Dane, WI; step-nephews Brandon (Malissa) Turner of Grand Marsh, WI; TJ Turner of Marshall, WI; step-niece Sammi (Matt) Marquis of Kaysville, UT; many loved great-nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his mother Dorothy, and his stepfather Bob "90" Miller.
Sully is sure raising hell in heaven with his trademark charisma. He lived by the rule that growing old is mandatory - but growing up is optional. And we know he's up there right now saying, "I'm kinda busy, I gotta lotta hay down " Sully, you will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Gorgen Funeral Home in Mineral Point. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. A visitation will be on Saturday from 10:30 AM until time of service at the Gorgen Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Cruise Inn.
The family would like to thank the staff and care teams at Agrace Hospice, Dr. Grunow, Upland & Platteville Hospitals, the nurses, doctors and Lift staff that always worked tirelessly to keep him on track. Our deepest thanks to the countless friends who helped keep an eye on him through it all.