Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama – James Thomas Sullivan-known and loved as Jim, Sully, Suckle, Dancing Jimmy, Henry, Dad, and Pop Pop climbed his last tree to find rest among the stars on May 31, 2026, at age 76, in the presence of his daughters, held in love and prayer. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on December 22, 1949, to Irene (Bousquet) and Richard J. Sullivan, Jim was one of eleven, learning early how to make noise, make friends, and carve out his own path.
A graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks,” Jim helped build a childhood treehouse that sparked a lifelong search for meaning, community, and spirit. That journey grew into the Brotherhood of the Spirit and later the Renaissance Commune, where he spent years building something bigger than himself. Drafted in 1970, Jim took a stand for peace, declaring, “I am spirit,” and was ultimately recognized as a conscientious objector.
Jim wore many hats: a tempeh factory worker who swore off soy, a cross-country tour bus driver for Rockets and Silvertrain, sharing the road with acts like Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath, and Elvis Costello and, for over 40 years, a tree climber and landscaper. With his commune buddies, he brought humanity and music to the patients at the Belchertown State School.
He had four beautiful children with Betsey Sullivan. He loved music especially rock and blues, Harley rides, Red Sox games, Rocky and Bullwinkle, dashboard drumming, ice cream, and above all, his family and his far-reaching, spirited community.
Jim is survived by his children: Crymson Sullivan of Massachusetts; Francka Sullivan (Martin) of The Netherlands; Gredel Sullivan of Vermont; and Ameilya Sullivan (Alejandro) of California; as well as his grandchildren Elijah, Jordan, Milan, and Nieve.
He leaves behind his siblings Bobby, Bonnie, Brian, Carol, David, Gail, and Patti along with many dear friends. He was joined in peace by sisters Christine, Diane, and Judy.
The family extends gratitude to his caregivers in Panama and to the strangers who became friends. In lieu of flowers, please support your local hospice or plant a tree in his honor. A celebration of life will be held later in the summer.
“Put a candle in the window, ’cause I feel I’ve got to move. Though I’m going, I’ll be coming home soon, long as I can see the light.” – CCR
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