- Date Of Birth: November 20, 1939
- Date Of Death: September 26, 2010
- State: Arizona
James, “Jim”, Joseph Cullen III went to the Lord on September 26th just the way he lived life, in control and making the decisions. With a Pepsi in one hand and his wife’s hand in the other, Jim was surrounded by those he loved and those that loved him. Jim fought cancer as any brave Marine would, sacrificing his life to win the battle, never giving up.
Jim was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 20th, 1939, went around the world as a Marine and experienced countless adventures throughout his life before settling in Flagstaff to raise his family and developing a successful business that is still family-owned and run. He lived and breathed life to a standard only he could achieve, true to form of “Semper Fidelis”. As he lived he passed along the secrets of life to those he knew would be raising his grandchildren, his legacy, with the understanding that “money and power mean nothing and that good always triumphs over evil”. As a savvy businessman with multiple projects across the United States and expanding beyond the borders, Jim’s major concern was to take care of his wife and family. This legacy will live on for many years. Although he received many awards during his lifetime it was the prestigious “Legion of Honor Award” from the Chapel of the Four Chaplin’s and “Marine of the Year” Memorial Award he cherished the most as well as his work with the Marine’s Toys for Tots organization.
Jim was a spiritual man and loving brother, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, friend, and provider; he will be missed! Jim was preceded in death by his father Jim and is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, of 51 years, and their four children, Jim, Kelly(Audrey), Tony(Michelle), and Kathleen(Earl); ten siblings, Jerry, John, Kenneth, Enid, Mike, Pat, Chris, Mary Ann, Katie, and Elizabeth as well as his loving mother, Francis, whom he cherished the most. Jim was also a proud grandfather to Courtney, Kathleen, Caitlin, Sam, Ashley, Anthony, E.J., Keeley, and Cullen and great-grandfather to Makale and Noah.
Jim’s loyalty and friendship were unprecedented. If you knew Jim, you knew of his humor, integrity, and willingness to give, both of which can be seen in those he called his friends and how he called them. Friends like Fat Joe, Speed Taylor, and his confidante The “G. B.” were always scheming against each other, trying to gain the advantage to tell the unforgettable story. The challenge for us all will be to continue Jim’s zest for life and willingness to put other’s needs in front of our own to continue to build the community Jim was trying so hard to achieve.
Semper Fidelis Marine Jim Cullen… SEMPER FI!!
