James F. Cullinan

James Fulton Cullinan, aged 82, of Lake Monticello, Fluvanna County, Palmyra, Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on March 18, 2025. Born on September 30, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the cherished son of the late James J. and Ellen (Rothamel) Cullinan.

Jim's life was marked by his unwavering love for his family, notably his devoted wife Margaret (Doherty), whom he lovingly shared his life with for 62 wonderful years. He was a proud father to his beloved children: Dr. James Tracy (Judy) Cullinan, Tara Jeannine Cullinan, and Jennifer Ann Cullinan Sturhann (Kyle). Jim's heart was filled with joy by his grandchildren, Michael and Riva Cullinan, Anna and Olivia Sturhann, and he was a proud great-grandfather to Jack Buder Cullinan. He is also survived by his loving sister Patricia Gallagher and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever hold his memory dear.

Jim honorably served in the US Navy Seabees for four years, stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Davisville, Rhode Island. He dedicated 32 years to a career in Corporate Safety at Brooklyn Union Gas/KeySpan/NationalGrid until his retirement in 1996. His passion for helping others extended beyond his main career; he worked as a real estate agent, Defensive Driver Instructor, and a CPR Instructor for nursing students at Malloy College. He then worked as an Insurance Agent with the Knights of Columbus until his retirement in 2003 and moved to Lake Monticello, Palmyra, Virginia.

A committed community leader, Jim was actively involved in various organizations throughout his life. As a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years, he served as Past Grand Knight and 4th degree Past Faithful Navigator, touching the lives of many within his councils in New York and Virginia. He was also proud to serve with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and dedicated countless hours to civic responsibility at St. Sylvester’s Church in Medford, NY and St. Peter and Paul Church in Palmyra, VA. His charitable works included coordinating resettlement of a refugee family from Vietnam, organizing blood drives, and leading fundraising campaigns.

Jim's spirit will be remembered for his selflessness and unwavering kindness. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and never turned down an opportunity to volunteer his time. His joy for life shone brightly, especially in his delight of visiting Disney World, enjoying the magic with his family just as much as they did. He had a special way of making Christmas truly magical, carefully reading toy instructions beforehand to ensure that the joy of the season was seamless for his children.

His strong faith was his guiding light throughout his life, particularly during challenging times in his later years.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Jim on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, located at 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA 22963. The morning will begin with a viewing from 9:00 to 9:55 AM in the church Commons, followed by Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. After mass, The American Legion will present military honors. A luncheon will follow at 12:00 PM in St. Francis Hall. Internment will take place at a later date on Long Island, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc., 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, VA 22962. https://lmvfr.org/donate/

 The funeral will be live stream:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg2-EC5vg6gS0UDDh49eaA/live

Arrangements are entrusted to Sheridan Funeral Home, Kents Store, VA.

May Jim's gentle soul rest in peace and may the love he gave and received live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.