John J. Sullivan

John J. Sullivan died peacefully on November 21 in the Veterans Affairs Center in Danville, IL. John was born to William J. and Norma Underriner Sullivan in Effingham, IL on July 29, 1926. He married his beloved wife, Mary Frances Hubbard Schoffstoll in Arcola, IL on December 21, 1951. She preceded him in death in June, 2008 as did their loving daughter, Karen Lee, who died four months later in September, 2008. He also is predeceased by two weeks, his brother, William J. Jr. from Indianapolis. Surviving are his brother, James, Paoli, PA; two grandsons, John Curtis Ingle, Hollywood, FL and Justin Lee Reeves, Greenacres, FL; two great granddaughters and three great-great grandchildren, all in Florida. John was a veteran who served in both World War II and The Korean War. During WW II, he served in the US Army in France and Germany, including the Fifth Ranger Battalion. During the Korean War, he joined the US Air Force, and was editor with Pacific Stars and Stripes in Tokyo. In between stints, he attended Notre Dame and Illinois College. A lifelong journalist, John worked on newspapers in four states before moving into business journalism. He spent 30 years in the retail hardware industry in Indianapolis and Philadelphia. That service included managing corporate communications for True Value Hardware stores. An avid sports fan, he also loved photography and travel, particularly visits to Ireland with his friends. One of his most cherished accomplishments was being an active and successful 30 year member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was a trusted advisor to many life-long friends. Contributions in John's name may be made to a charity of your choice. Services will be held at Flanner & Buchanan-Washington Park North, on Saturday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m. Calling for family and friends will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 at the same location. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan