EASTHAMPTON, MA – James P. Sullivan, formerly of Westfield died at Hospice at the Fisher House on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 after a courageous fight against cancer. James was the son of the late Paul Sullivan and the late Alice (Maher) Lucia.
Jim received his bachelor’s degree from the University Without Walls Program at UMass Amherst and his Master’s Degree from Cambridge College. He spent his career as a social worker advocating for others for their care, their education and their housing. Jim volunteered his time to many communities, non-profit and city organizations to better both humanity and the environment. Most notable, he served on the Easthampton Housing Partnership for close to two decades. In his quiet, subtle way he fought tirelessly for affordable housing, especially for handicapped individuals. He also volunteered at the Pascommuck Valley Trust, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and helped clean and maintain the Easthampton rail trail. His actions and his efforts were an inspiration to many people.
Jim’s family is so grateful to all the caregivers for their efforts to help him fight cancer, Dr. Hayes at Dana Farber, the medical staff at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Baystate Medical Center and the caring staff at The Hospice at Fisher House in Amherst, deserve so much credit for their knowledge and caring.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary A. Sullivan and Kathleen Bourgoin and his brother, Daniel. He leaves his brother, Michael of Southampton, Paul of Ocean City N.J.; his stepfather; Joseph Lucia of West Springfield; his uncle, William Sullivan of East Longmeadow and his many nieces and nephews. He leaves good friends throughout the valley including Patty Steinmen of Easthampton and Marge Lehan of Florence.
A “celebration of life” will be held in Jim’s honor at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton on Sunday September 15th at 3:00 p.m.
Charitable donations can be made to The Easthampton Community Center, Clark Street, Easthampton, MA 01027.
The Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA is entrusted with the arrangements.
