James Shannon “Stubby” Sullivan

Former Willow resident James Shannon “Stubby” Sullivan, 39, died in his sleep May 9, 2012, in Azalea, Ore.

Shannon was born March 6, 1973, in Anchorage to Neal Sullivan and Darlene Sullivan Formento. He attended Willow Elementary and graduated from Houston High School in 1992. He became a successful businessman, starting Ideal Positions, an Internet company in California, and upon returning to Willow, Alaska Extreme Motorsports. He traveled throughout the United States and abroad, but he always considered Willow home.

Surviving are his wife, Katherine of Wildomar, Calif.; mother, Darlene Sullivan Formento of Wasilla; father, Neal Sullivan of Hoonah; sister, Cammie Sullivan; nephews, Raith and Blaize; niece, Kiayda of Boiling Springs, S.C.; grandparents, Neil and Donna Sullivan of Ulen, Minn.; and many aunts, uncles, cousin and friends.

Preceding him in death were grandparents, Matt and Flora Formento.

Despite his physical challenges, he embraced life with the need for speed, adrenalin and adventure. He loved fishing, hunting, shooting, soaring, skydiving, mini trophy truck racing, snowmachining and especially mud bogging on the trails up Hatcher Pass and in and around Willow. With the help of many dear and faithful friends and family, he did just that.

“Stubby had a way of making friends wherever he went, with his carefree personality, infectious smile and irresistible charm. He was easy to love,” his family wrote. “He will forever be missed by those whose lives he touched.”

A celebration of life service is at 1 p.m., July 7 at Willow Community Center, Willow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 5130 40th Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 98105.