Jay “Sully” Sullivan December 19, 1943 - March 6, 2026

Jay “Sully” Sullivan, 82, left us with holes in our hearts and a lifetime of memories on Friday, March 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. Jay was born on December 19, 1943, to Elmo Sullivan and Rose Mae (Sullivan) Morrissey in Payson, Utah.

Jay graduated from Payson High School in 1962, where he played many sports, with a passion for baseball. He attended Provo Technical College studying architectural drafting and design technology, while also playing basketball. He went on to attend Utah State University, studying business management with a minor in geology.

Jay married the love of his life, Jill, in May 1971. He absolutely adored and protected Jill throughout their marriage with his entire being. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple in 1996. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, where he served many callings.

Jay and Jill raised three children, Anndrea, Shannon, and John Michael. He left a note stating, “he loved his kids and wife beyond comprehension.” No one would ever question his love, devotion, support, and adoration he held of his family. He was most proud of his grandchildren, Saydee “Wheezer” Orihuela, Haylee “Haybug” (Payton) Peters, Ainsley “Sully” Bowers, Mary “Kate” Bowers, Adrien “AD “John-Sullivan Salas  and his great-grandchildren, John WyLee Sullivan and Kaizlee Salas. They all carry the legacy of a Sullivan through and through.

Jay’s other love was the great outdoors. He was an avid horseman, raising and breeding several AQHA state champions. He loved golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and a good-ole horse ride in Payson Canyon. He loved sharing his passions, especially hunting, fishing, golfing, baseball, and basketball, with his son, John. He taught his girls to be tough while always supporting them in their pursuits in horsemanship, softball, dance, and music. Jay always had his own “Noah’s Ark,” with two of all sorts of animals – horses, dogs, cats, birds, and bunnies. He definitely passed his love of animals onto his children. He loved his time camping with the Browns, Cooks, Buhlers, Bradleys, Rogers, Woods, among many other families. Last but not least, Donald and Gaylia Daley showed up at camp with fresh fried chicken, french fries & plenty of candy. No one could ever forget the singing around the campfire: Jimmy Buffett, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, etc.

Jay also loved beyond measure his sister, JoAnne Sullivan Ingram, her husband, Cregg “Gus” Ingram, and children, Jilleen (Chad) Dolbeare, Danielle “Daniroo” (Todd) Olsen, Erin Ingram Rasmussen, and Matt Ingram. Jay and his family did not miss a holiday with the Ingrams – always a pre-feast game of basketball, followed by huge feasts, games, and during Christmas, Cregg or Jay reading the Christmas Story from the Bible while the kids all acted out each part. Jay was a gifted artist, a talent he loved sharing with his niece, Jill. He shared his gift of horsemanship with Jill and Erin. He loved Dani’s laugh, and Matt’s love of sports. He always called Cregg his brother and mentor, always with admiration and unconditional love.

Jay also adored Jill’s family, Jolyn (Jerald) Chapple, Judy (Ron) Daniels, and Richard (Deborah) Smith, along with all their children. He also knew their grandchildren he would find on the ballfield, as he umpired softball and baseball, and refereed basketball. He was always proud of their accomplishments as he watched them grow.

Jay was very proud of being the oldest certified softball umpire and basketball referee with the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA). Jay umpired and refereed for high schools, clubs, city leagues, and Junior Jazz throughout Utah. He did so with integrity, faithful to the games, and pride of the teens.

Jay was an outstanding gardener. He loved to perfect his yard, winning Payson City’s Yard of the Week, which he took pride in. Everyone loved his tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchinis which thrived under his care.

No matter Jay’s gruff, curmudgeon exterior, he had a soft, tender heart for all. He may have felt that he failed us all, but in true reality, he taught and gave more of himself beyond all words. In his last days, Jay would light up each time he was offered ice cream. We will never forget the light in his eyes, the flash of a smile under his mustache and beard, and mischievous wink.

Jay is survived by his heart and “delicate desert flower,” Jill (Smith) Sullivan, daughters Anndrea (Vu) Sullivan-Bowers, Shannon Sullivan Salas, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, John Michael Sullivan. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Elmo Sullivan, Rose Sullivan Morrissey; in-laws, Richard, and Joan Smith; and his adored niece, Jilleen Ingram Dolbeare.

Jay has had the most remarkable reunion in the next life. As Winston Churchill said, “”No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”  May Jay ride into his next life with gratitude, knowledge of our never-ending love, and celebrating his next life with John, Cregg, Joann, Jilleen, his parents, in-laws, and countless friends. He entered the next life with Joan Watkins – we can all hear their giggles/laughs as they met each other to cross over through those pearly gates together.

We acknowledge the amazing care of Amber Davies, who lovingly cared for Jay through his last months of life. She treated him like a father and with the greatest respect and dignity.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Payson Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate and say our goodbyes. Bring your best Irish proverbs/prayers, wear a touch of green, and Jay stories and antidotes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jay’s burial fund by Venmo to “Anndrea Bowers (@theflippysoccerfamily).”