Gene Sullivan has a life story so incredible it should be made into a movie. His father was the renowned San Francisco Examiner sports writer Prescott Sullivan which got him dedicated to a life in sports. in 1969 he left a promising boxing career to be Evel Knievel's bodyguard before Evel was a household name. After money and fame went to Evel Knievel's head Gene broke out on his own as a daredevil who dedicated his life to Jesus and started his own daredevil ministry Jump For Jesus. jumpforjesus.net To hear Gene tell the story of leaving Knievel he says that "The bible tells us to turn away from evil." His jumps has a deep meaning and his life has a purpose. I met Gene Sullivan the last time I was in Montana 5 years ago on a search for the remnants of my boyhood hero Evel Knievel. Gene turned out to be the kind hearted guy I guess I had hoped Evel would have been had I ever met him. He and Evel Knievel made peace at the end of Evel's life and Gene gave the eulogy at his funeral. He is sought out for any movie or special made about the life of Evel Knievel because he was there for most of it. He can be seen in the new Johnny Knoxville produced documentary called 'Being Evel" He is someone I am proud to call a friend and that is why it is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Gene Sullivan!

This conversation was recorded in Billings, Montana

End Song: Chris Whitley  Big Sky Country

Photo: Daniel Sullivan