James E. Sullivan, 85, of Salina, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. He was born Feb. 3, 1927. He was adopted at birth by William J. and Grace (Cowell) Sullivan of Kansas City.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Terry Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanore; brother, William Sullivan and wife Jo Ann; son, Michael Sullivan; daughter, Tracey Sullivan and husband Jeff Lemaster; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Stillman and husband David, and Ann Lane and husband Tom; and three great-grandchildren Michael, Josiah and Daniel Lane.

Jim married Eleanore Flanders on Aug. 5, 1947. He attended Kemper Military School and University of Missouri.

He was a successful businessman who owned and operated Jim Sullivan Chevrolet from 1955 to 1980, first in downtown Salina and later on South Ninth. He sponsored the local Soapbox Derby event for many years, as well as a Little League baseball team. One year, the dealership sponsored an event that included bringing live elephants onto Santa Fe.

Jim was an avid golfer and enthusiastic card player, and he was a long-standing member of the Salina Country Club. He volunteered to help sell Christmas trees and to operate the concession stand at Little League ball games for the Optimist Club, and he was a member of the Shriners.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to American Diabetes Association or Presbyterian Manor of Salina.