Joker 1 Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Shipmates, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Captain James L. Sullivan, Jr., 1925-2014. This is a photo of my late father upon commissioning as a lieutenant, junior grade, in the United States Maritime Service, April 1947. In early 1944, after graduating high school early, my father reported to the United States Merchant Marine Academy's Pass Christian, MS, campus for training as a deck officer. That spring and summer Midshipman Sullivan made several cruises aboard cargo vessels. Later that year, the academy decided to eliminate sea time for cadets. Concerned he would miss the war, my father resigned from the academy and signed on aboard a Liberty Ship as an ordinary seaman. During combat he crewed one of the ship's 20 mm antiaircraft guns, serving in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. After the war, he completed his training in New London, CT, earning his unrestricted master's license by the mid-1950s. Captain Sullivan's career at sea spanned some forty years, encompassing the Second World War, conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, the entire Cold War, and three shipwrecks. He passed away peacefully on August 6, 2014, at the age of eighty-eight, and was buried with full military honors. My father was a mariner, a warrior, an adventurer, a witty raconteur, an accomplished musician, a keen dancer, and a devoted husband (my late mother was a Radio City Music Hall Rockette). More than anything, he was a kind, generous, loving father. Bravo Zulu, Pop. Fair winds and following seas. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Donster 36 Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 May your father rest in peace Joker. My sincere condolences to you and all of your family. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Madman 3 Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 RIP Captain. Joker, my sincere condolences to you and your family. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Whizkid 14 Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Fair winds and following seas, Sir! Would that many more men had turned out like you. My condolences to you and the family, Joker. That smile will be waiting for you some day. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fittop 2 Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 My condolences to you and your family, Joker. The Merchant Marines lost another good man. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stans 29 Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 S! My condolences and prayers to you and your family, Joker. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Dude 13 Posted August 16, 2014 Report Share Posted August 16, 2014 Joker, A very touching tribute to your father, my friend. Your father symbolizes the courage and integrity of the Greatest Generation. My condolences to you and your family. RIP, Captain Sullivan 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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