Sully Jaymes was born in Campbell Co., Virginia on March 13, 1880. He graduated from Boston University in 1898, attended Boston University Law school in 1899 and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1901 with an L.L.B. degree before starting his law practice in Columbus, Ohio.

Sully moved to Springfield, Ohio and became our town's first African-American lawyer, opening his practice here in 1903. He represented primarily Black clients, including lynching victim Richard Dixon and several individuals who were indicted during violent disagreements that were referred to as the Springfield race riots in 1906 and

1921. Sully offered his services free of charge for clients who are unable to pay; he was a tireless activist for equal rights.

Both Sully and his wife, Anna Redmond, were leaders in the Springfield community. Sully served as a director of the former Charles Funeral Supply Company, president of the former James Cotton Real Estate Company and was a former trustee of Wilberforce University, among other prominent roles. He was also one of the first members of the Board of Directors of the Center Street YMCA.

Sully died on Jan. 20, 1950 after a brief illness. He is buried alongside his wife Anna in Section Z, Lot 66 of Ferncliff Cemetery.