Jim O’Sullivan RIP: A gentleman and a wonderful businessman

JIM O’Sullivan was born in 1943 in Kilfenora, Fenit, in the old railway station to Stephen and Mary Ann O’Sullivan. He had a happy childhood surrounded by his brothers, Jerry and Eugie; his sister, Julanne; and his cousins, John and Jim O’Sullivan from Barrow.

He spent his summers walking to Barrow to borrow a horse in order to plough fields for local farmers, something which he said himself made him realise he needed to work hard in school as the ploughing was hard work on the back.

His love of Fenit and the pier was something that never left him, and he spent many nights down looking at boats with Eugie.

He started his working life in Kellihers Electrical in the early ‘60s, where he met his lifelong friend Buddy O’Grady. It would be his friendship with Buddy which lead him to the love of his life, Rosie O’Grady, Buddy’s sister. They began courting in the late ‘60s and married on January 28, 1970, only recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

They set up home in 5 Knockmoyle that same year and lived many happy years there before moving to Ballyard. They had their first of their five children when Mike was born in November followed by Tina, Jamie, Paula and Gerard.

In 1979 Jim set up Southwest Wholesale with his business partner, the late Brendan King.

Southwest Wholesale celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and Jim was working up until the Friday of the government lock-down.

He was looking forward to his two weeks off as he put it but, sadly, he only got three days rest before his untimely illness and sudden passing on April 3.

He had many great loves in life such as his horses, cards, cars and greyhounds. One of his best days was when his dog Lincoln’s Rose won the Oaks final in Powerstown Park in 1991, trained by Dan Brassil from Abbeydorney.

He was immensely proud of his dogs and had a party in the Tankard afterwards which is still spoken about today.

The outpouring of sympathy over the past number of weeks through phone calls, Mass cards and the many condolences on RIP.ie has been of great comfort to the family in this difficult time.

The resounding phrase which people have used to describe Jim is that he was a gentleman and a wonderful businessman. He was always there to help anyone in trouble and was generous with his time and advice. His love of Southwest Wholesale has been passed on to his sons, Mike and Jamie, who will be continuing his legacy into the future.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and ambulance crew of UHK. Jim’s final day was spent in the Palliative care unit in UHK.

The nurses there showed so much care and respect towards Jim that it made the family feel as if they were nursing one of their own. They deserve every good wish in the world for the work that they do.

Jim will be sadly and eternally missed by his wife, Rosie; his children, Mike, Tina, Jamie, Paula and Gerard; his daughters-in-law, Marcella, Joanne, Sinead and Adeline; his son-in-law, Brendan and his 13 loving grandchildren, whom he doted on.

His brother, Eugie; sister, Julanne; the family of the late Jerry and Jim from Barrow are also mourning a great friend at this time.

He will be remembered by his in-laws, relatives, nieces, nephews, many friends and work colleagues. Due to the current situation, the Funeral Mass was private, but the family will hold a Memorial Mass at a later date.

Jim O’Sullivan RIP