Jim Sulimay

Heaven gained another angel as Jim Sulimay peacefully left this world. Jim left behind a legacy as rich and timeless as his 50 year career. Born the third youngest of 16 children in the Sulimay family, Jim grew up in Fairmount in a household filled with love, hard work, and devotion. After serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne during his time in Okinawa, Jim decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in barbering. His journey began under the guidance of his brother-in-law, Pete Colabelli. Jim also bartended at his family’s bar, McGillin’s Old Ale House. In 1963, Jim opened the doors to Jim Sulimay’s Barbershop at 24th & Brown in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, where he proudly served the community for 50 years. Jim was an old-school barber with an kind heart and an infectious personality. Jim transformed his barbershop into a local institution. His daughter later joined him, working side-by-side for another 20 years before his granddaughter also joined the family business. Together they cultivated not just a thriving business but a hub of warmth, friendship, and tradition. Jim touched the lives of countless team members and clients, keeping everyone entertained with his stories and banter, always leaving a lasting impression. Jim is survived by his five children, Louie (Maria), Tina (Mark), Tara (Mike), Renata (Jay), and Jimmy (Leigh). He was the proud and beloved Pop to his grandchildren Mark, Cianna, Kate, Anthony, Daniel, Timmy, Mark, Patrick, Jason, Jaxon, Jimmy, Rocco, and Vito. His siblings, Madeline, Patricia, and Joe, continue to carry forward the Sulimay spirit, while he joins the late Anthony, Elizabeth, Margaret, Josephine, Lucille, Marie, Maryellen, Loretta, Teresa, John, Thomas, and Kay in eternal peace along with his parents Anthony and Catherine. He was also the best uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, as they all have a funny “Uncle Jim” story. Jim will forever be remembered not only as a devoted paratrooper, barber, father, Pop, brother, uncle & friend but as an extraordinary human being. He had a heart full of generosity—whether offering the last dollar in his pocket or offering a meal to someone in need. He made sure to sponsor local youth sports, schools, or donate to local charities and contribute to fundraisers. His ability to make people feel special from the very moment they met him was a gift that extended to all who crossed his path. In his prime Jim was an avid runner. He enjoyed running marathons, and frequently ran the East and West river drive Jim Sulimay, a Philadelphia legend, will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and legacy will live on forever. Services will be held Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00pm at Dinan Funeral Home, 1923 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130. There will be a viewing on Thursday from 9:00am -10:45am in church, followed by an 11:00am Mass at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 2319 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19130. A burial will follow at St Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to https://thefund.org/donate/, Semper Fi and America's Fund and Lisa's Army, 2048A Fairmount Ave Phila, Pa 19130.

Jim Sulimay

September 26, 2024

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Jim Sulimay

September 26, 2024

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