James Conway Sullivan was the first of four children born to Rosemary and James Sullivan. He was born in Sunnyside, Queens, and attended Queen of Angels Grammar School, Mater Christi High School and St. John’s University, where he majored in political science and his lifelong love of politics began. James and his family moved to Rockaway Beach when he was 16. A few months later, his father died unexpectedly and James took over his father’s role, helping to raise his three younger siblings. At the age of 22 he ran for State Senator against a much older Perry Duryea. He then became Republican District Leader. James remained an active and prominent figure in the Republican Party until his untimely death in 2001.

James owned and operated two bars, the Paddy Wagon Bar and the Claddagh Pub, and worked as a union carpenter. He was president of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians and treasurer for the Knights of Columbus. He was also the founder and president emeritus of the James Conway Sullivan Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which he began in 1976. Once deemed “Sullivan’s Follies,” the parade has grown to be the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York and has since been renamed in his honor. James was also on the board of directors of The Claddagh Inn Soup Kitchen.