Jerry Sullivan

Senior Sports Columnist, The Buffalo News

Who Mentored You?
The greatest mentor I had in sports writing was Jim Kelley, who wrote hockey at The Buffalo News for more than 30 years before moving on to a successful internet career 10 years ago.

What did this person do that inspired, helped or encouraged you?
Jim inspired me with his example. He was the best reporter I ever knew. Just watching him taught me how important it was to treat all people the same and show them respect. A great reporter knows everyone and has sources in all areas, large and small. He could get information from an usher, an equipment manager or a high-level executive of the league or the Sabres. He told me to be fair and thorough and never to take the easy way out. Above all, get the truth and don't bow to power, money or influence. It's not always easy. I saw Jim take a lot of heat for his difficult stands. He wasn't always defended by the people who employed him. He was brave and smart and wouldn't accept less than a high standard. He was that way until he died of cancer last week, 16 hours after filing his last column to sportillustrated.com.

What would you say if you could thank this person today?
I was at Jim's bedside hours before his death. He was in a coma, but I would like to believe he heard me. I thanked him for being such a great role model for me and encouraging me up until the end. He always called me to praise me when I wrote a tough story, or to tell me where I might have fallen short. I valued his opinion above all others. I told him that last day that I would always write with him in mind. I know he'll be in heaven reading and evaluating. I told him I would never write another story without hearing his voice, caring voice in my head. Now that's a mentor!

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