John Elmore "Skeez" Sullivan lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and heart. On August 7, 2026, he left this world the same way he lived in it - surrounded by people who loved him.
Born in Butte on December 30, 1940, Skeez quickly learned what it meant to be the oldest sibling: lead the way, look out for Julie and Dan, and stir up just enough mischief to keep life interesting. After graduating from Boys Central in 1959, he followed his passion for learning at Western Montana College and later earned his master's degree from Lesley College.
Skeez's journey as a teacher began in Kremlin, Montana, where he and his first wife, Mary, raised their son Mark. Teaching and coaching came naturally to him, and he poured his energy into helping young people grow on the court, in the classroom, and in life. Even after he and Mary divorced, their friendship endured until her passing in 2003.
His career took him to Hingham High School, the Army National Guard, and eventually back to Butte, where he famously drove a beer truck, a job he loved to talk about, often with a grin and a story that grew a little bigger each time. But teaching called him back, and he spent decades shaping students at Butte High, West Junior High, West Elementary, and Kennedy Elementary.  He taught (or tried) to teach each child in his PE class how to juggle and some of them can still juggle to this day.  Skeez loved to show off his juggling skills any time he could find three objects of the same size.
In 1978, he married Barbara Marinovich, and together they raised three daughters—Amy, Molly, and Heather. Family time at Seeley Lake, cheering from bleachers, and celebrating every achievement became the heartbeat of their life together.  Skeez was the best grandpa "papa" to his 12 grandchildren.  He loved to share stories about his own youth with them that always made them laugh.  Skeez was always present at their many activities and expressed how proud he was of them.
Skeez loved to stay active.  He played softball in his younger days and made many lifelong friends including his brother-in-law, Joe Slovacek.  Another passion was golf.  He always kept a set of clubs in his trunk "just in case" there was a golf course wherever he was going.  He shared his love of golf with his kids and grandchildren.
Even after retiring, Skeez kept working at AWARE group homes and coaching track for Butte High and Boulder. He believed in kids, and they believed in him.
Skeez leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and stories that will be told for generations. He taught, coached, encouraged, and loved and the world is better because he was here.
Skeez is survived by his wife Barbara, son Mark (Diana) Sullivan, daughters - Amy (Mike) McGowan, Molly (Matt) Antonioli, and Heather (Larry) Rowe.  His grandchildren – Veronica (Dylan) Torgerson, Rachael, Mark Jr., & Laney Sullivan, Mia, Tre, & Ty Antonioli, Zane & Claire McGowan, Gavin, Bella, & Grace Rowe. As well as great grandsons Huck Torgerson and Monte Sanburg. Brother and sister Dan Sullivan and Julie Slovacek. Brothers and sisters-in-law Mike (Marie) Marinovich, George (Lou) Marinovich, Tony (Billie) Marinovich, John (Carol) Marinovich, and Beverly Eschenbacher along with numerous nieces and nephews. Skeez will also be missed by his lifelong friend Jim Ugrin who he went to breakfast with every Sunday until recently.
Preceding Skeez in death are his parents Elmore and Marg Sullivan, Barb's parents Tom & Bernice Marinovich, Mary Eschenbacher, brother-in-law Tom Marinovich, sister-in-law Mary Sullivan, brother-in-law Joe Slovacek, nephew Joey Slovacek and many extended family and friends.
Funeral services for Skeez will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 2100 Farragut Ave.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Special Olympics or Alzheimer's Association.