Roll Call Tribute

John Lee Sullivan 

March 19, 1940 - December 24, 2024 

John Lee Sullivan passed from this life to meet his Lord and Savior December 24, 2024. He was at home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born a 5th generation Islander on March 19, 1940 at St. Mary’s hospital to John Richard Alston Sullivan and Bernice Katherine Gustafson Sullivan.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Cindy Lightner Sullivan; their three adoring children and families; daughters, Kathryn Sullivan Mixon and husband Scott Mixon of Galveston; Elizabeth Sullivan Hanlon and husband Chris Hanlon of Dallas and their son John Richmond (Rocky) Sullivan and his wife Kelsi Wegner Sullivan of Galveston; Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Mixon, Sullivan (Sully) Mixon, Sarah Bea Hanlon, Abigail (Abbey) Hanlon, John Roland Sullivan, James Richmond Sullivan & Jackson Lee Sullivan.

John is also survived by his brother Gerald Sullivan and his wife Susanne Hooser Sullivan of Galveston; nieces: Kelley Sullivan Georgiades and husband George and Kristen Sullivan Berger and husband John and their families; nephews: Todd Sullivan and his wife Sarah, Johnny Sullivan and his wife Sydney and Billy Sullivan and his wife Jocelyn and their families. Also surviving John are cousins Polly Sefcik, Larry Sullivan, Mary Beth Ansell, Carol Sue Young Hance, Randi Sue Wade and their families.

He was predeceased by his dearly loved grandson, Samuel (Sam) Felix Mixon; his parents and infant sister Shirley Sullivan, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Imp and Jim Lightner as well numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and dear friends: [RS1] Benny Davis, Tom Cook, Carroll Sunseri, Johnny Unbehagen, Danny Smith, Koko Clark and Jack Elliott.

Though his father and mother had only limited education and humble beginnings they instilled in John and his brother an unquestionable sense of integrity and beyond-strong work ethic with a great appreciation for schooling and education. Thus began John’s training on what it meant to be a good man, a hard worker, a rancher and good steward of the land. He was a man who was loyal to his friends, who loved his community and most importantly who loved God and his family.

John was always very proud of his family’s modest beginnings and learned so much from working with his father delivering milk in the early hours before school to working cattle in the afternoon after his studies. Along the way, he met several wise and influential men to whom he quickly credited the invaluable lessons he learned from them which further led to his future accomplishments. This was his framework for success…hard work. John was the first person in his family to not only graduate high school - Ball High School in 1958 but then go on to attend his beloved Texas A&M. He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics, class of 1962, where he was a proud and loyal member of the A&M Corps of Cadets. He did his postgraduate work at the University of Texas (t.u.) in 1963 in real estate, appraising and meeting girls.

After graduation, he worked for the General Land Office and Veterans Land Board appraising land for veterans all over the State of Texas. Coming home to Galveston, he started his own real estate firm Sullivan and Associates.

John always had an eye for land development and with his brother, they started Sullivan Enterprises along with several affiliated companies. This led to the development of Campeche Cove Residential Subdivision, Westgate Shopping Center, Newport Marine Terminal & Industrial Park, Westport Sulfur Handling Facility, which was later rebranded as Texas International Terminals. There were countless other development projects encompassing everything from roads and utilities to golf courses and multifamily complexes.

In addition to development activities, John and Gerald started many operating businesses. Their port operations primarily focused on handling ships, barges and rail with break-bulk, bulk and liquified cargos from around the world. Commercial, Industrial and residential construction, redi-mix concrete and a real estate brokerage firm led to some notable projects such as the Bob Smith Yacht club, American Printing and constructing and repairing numerous docks around the Galveston waterfront.

His one business that endured all others was Sullivan Land and Cattle Company that encompassed his perpetual professional passions: stewardship of cattle, wildlife and ranch land. As a lifelong rancher he tried to make every piece of land he touched better, more productive, and even more beautiful. He could be found doing just that at his Galveston Island Ranch and his South Texas Two Rivers Ranch where he enjoyed giving his epic tours.

John was also a Founding Director and 14-year board member of the Bank of the West, now Texas First Bank, which was always a great source of pride for him. He regularly recounted that during his tenure he “got more than he gave” due to the lessons and invaluable relationship cultivated during that period.

John faced and overcame incredible adversities in his life such as dealing with tumultuous economic conditions where he successfully brought his business back from the brink and even surviving attempts on his life from competitors. He was a rare breed with a wildly independent streak who truly enjoyed the challenges that life presented and relished in the unique opportunities afforded him.

However, John’s best merger came when he married his beautiful bride, Cindy, and began raising their family on Galveston Island.

Apart from his business ventures John took his responsibility to his community very seriously. He was elected and served on the Galveston city council from 1984-1987 and served as mayor Pro-Tem from 1986-1987. His public service included the Galveston College Board of Regents where he served 12 years culminating in the donation of the College’s symbol, the lighthouse, located at the College entrance on 39th Street.

Over the years he served on many civic boards and commissions that are too numerous to recount but some of his more notable include: 40 plus year member of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce (where he served as vice-president), president of the Galveston Association of Realtors, a REALTOR Emeritus for his over 40 years of service in that association. He was a member of the El Mina Shrine Tucker Masonic Lodge and mini -motor patrol founding member. He was a former member of the Crewe of Momus and current member of the Galveston Artillery Club. John was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church as were his parents. This led to his donating the Church’s courtyard gazebo in their names.

John was pleased but also humbled to receive, along with his wife and brother and sister-in-law, two particular community awards: the 1894 Grand Opera House 2011 Lenora Kempner Thompson Community Enrichment Award and the 2016 Texas Independent Bancshares Howard O. Payne Award for leadership in economic development in the ranching, real estate, maritime and investment industries.

John loved Galveston’s history and was so proud of the part his family played in its development since their arrival in 1867. John so enjoyed touring family and friends alike as he detailed how the city and land has changed in his 84 years while also recounting all the old stories from the 1900 storm to present day. He was quite pleased to have added to Galveston’s restored history by donating and restoring the clock on the corner of 22nd and Strand St.

Since 1967 John was a very proud member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (“TSCRA”). This organization combined his love of ranching with great friendships. He served on the Board of Directors from 1999-2015 serving on the executive committee along with additional committees. From 2015 to present he served as a TSCRA Honorary Board of Director where he rarely missed a meeting.

John Lee Sullivan, also known as J.L. O’Sullivan, was one of a kind and bigger than life in his own way. His understated demeanor had depth, wisdom and vision. His twinkling Irish eyes were warm and gracious. Always an optimist and loyal friend. He wanted the best for everyone; pushing them beyond what they thought they could achieve. John truly loved the simple things in life, a fun dinner telling stories and laughing with friends and family, taking kids and later grandkids on the tractor, traveling with Cindy and their dear Cattleraiser friends, shredding pastures, hunting with friends and quiet nights at the Ranch. These were all essential ingredients to a life well lived.

There are not words to express how much he will be missed; but his legacy to the Galveston community, to our Texas ranching heritage and especially to our family will always shine bright. We are all better because of him in our lives.

His family gives heartfelt thanks to John’s caring medical team especially, Dr. Abel Longoria, Dr. Russell LaForte, Dr. George Carayannopoulos, Dr. Sharon Raimer, Dr. Ben Raimer, Dr. Brent Masel, Dr. Sean Funston, Dr. Joseph Sonstein, Dr. David Bracken, Dr. Mohammed Zaiden, Dr. Eric Walser, dear Oneida Reyes and, in Dallas, Dr. Scott Yates. The exceptional Jennie Sealy nurses who cared for John over the past year and a half have our unending thanks and admiration.

To John’s wonderful caregivers who gave such trustworthy, faithful and professional care, our eternal thanks: Alicia Rogers, Courtney Schmidt, Ethel Luster, Matthew Pafford, Margie Barron, Radia Said and Savannah Bailey. And Always thanksgiving for Graciella and Jose Palacios.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home –1201 23rd Street-, Galveston from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at First Lutheran Church of Galveston 2415 Winnie Street, Galveston on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Rocky Sullivan, Scott Mixon, Chris Hanlon, Sully Mixon Todd Sullivan, Johnny Sullivan and Billy Sullivan. John’s Honorary Pallbearer will be his brother, Gerald Sullivan. And, each of you who have meant so much to John Lee, who have provided countless blessings to his life are now, for us, and always will be his honorary pallbearers and honored and very special friends.