James L. Sullivan, 61, of Dartmouth, formerly of Fairhaven, passed away at home on Thursday December 21, 2017. 

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Arthur and Helen E. (Downey) Sullivan, he lived in Fairhaven for most of his life.

He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven.  James was formerly employed at the Opportunity Center. He attended the Smith Street Program, the DeValles School, and was a graduate of Fairhaven High School. Throughout the years he was active in the Special Olympics and had been awarded numerous medals and trophies. He participated in many recreational programs in New Bedford and Fairhaven. He had also been a volunteer bingo worker at St. Joseph's School.

He is survived by two sisters, Laureen M. Ignacio Milroy of Brockton, and Catherine M. Martin of West Columbia, SC; two aunts, Barbara Affonce of Acushnet, and Kathleen Oliveira of Ocala, FL; and 18 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was the sister of the late Sandra H. Cathcart.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 28 at 9 a.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford; followed by his funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, December 27 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.