JD Fails Jr. Return Trip to Texas

John Daniel Fails Jr. July 21,1971 - June 10th, 2024 52 years old

Photo: John Fails with Danielle Sullivan (left) and Denni Sullivan (Right). Christmas 2014. First time seeing each other since 2005.

Money raised will go towards:

Shipping John home from Utah to East Texas. Either cremated or embalmed.

Burial/Ashes Ceremony

Funeral/Memorial Service

When you read this, I hope this finds you well.

In the process of writing a memoir about my personal journey with mental health disorders, I found out this week that my biological dad passed away. While this news is only 24 hours fresh for me, I know that there's a new task at hand: providing respect.

John Daniel Fails Jr. grew up in Texas and spent the last ten years on the road as a contract worker. He served in the Army during the Gulf War from 1990-1991, shortly after graduating high school in Huntsville, Texas.

His life took on a larger symbolism for the people he interacted with. Personally, I believe John's purpose on earth was to teach others what was health in relationships; what boundaries couldn't be pushed; and when to walk away. While not always the most charming person nor the best moral being, he did find solace in fishing, showing respect, and manners.

He passed away in Ogden, Utah on June 10th, 2024. Because of life choices and untreated brain disorders, also referred to as mental health disorders, he passed away miles from his home state and alone. Because of this and his status as a homeless veteran, there are no funds available to bring him home. Receiving funds from the VA may take a while, due to being honorably discharged.

Years ago, my dad and I had a conversation on a road trip back from camping in Texas. What to do about his funeral? He knew he wouldn't have anything left and knew that because of life choices, not many would attend his funeral.

As a kid, I always dreamed I would avoid his funeral.

As an adult? I want to continue my journey to being a better human to this world than what he raised me in. And for that, this takes acknowledging his death and resting him next to his father.

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About me, the eldest daughter:

My name is Danielle Sullivan, and I will be turning 31 next week. I too grew up in Huntsville, Texas, and have been pursing higher education since I graduated high school in 2012. Recently, I have embarked on unpacking childhood trauma from my father's abuse through the wonderful healing power of writing. Currently studying Child Development at the Oklahoma City Community College and getting a BA degree in English-Writing.

Recently diagnosed with C-PTSD (Complex PTSD) and other disorders, I have spent my weekends gaining information about events and the people from my childhood, to eventually publish this gut-wrenching tale. Want to see what I've written before? Please visit any of my social media accounts and website, danielleleesullivan.com.