James C. McCulloch
May 6, 1933 - July 16, 2019
James C. McCulloch, our loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away on July 16, 2019. Referred to as Jim, Jimmy or J.C., he was highly regarded by all of his family, co-workers and friends and was someone everyone wanted to be around. He brought fun and laughter everywhere he went, was loved by many and all who knew him will miss this very funny and special man.
On May 6,1933 he was born the second child of four, to William R. and Kathleen l. McCulloch. Jim grew up in the Greenlake area and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. Then in July of that same year he began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad.
In 1953 he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean Conflict as a train engineer. On returning home to Seattle, Jim again went to work for the Northern Pacific. Jim retired as an engineer from the BNSF, after 40+ years of service.
After his Army discharge Jim married Deanna Guy in 1957 and they moved to Shoreline. Within the next few years they had two daughters, Susan and Sandra. Deanna passed away in 1994. Jim retired soon after in 1995.
In 1999, Jim married Verna Pemble. They moved to Edmonds and were married for 20 years before his passing.
Jim loved family, friends, travel, boating, fishing and having fun. He vacationed at least once a year at Blue Lake in Eastern Washington. This family-and-friends tradition dates back to the 1970's. He will be fondly remembered for his humor and wit, fun-loving and easy going nature, his generous spirit, and his boating skills!
He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, National Association of Retired Veterans Railway Employees and lnternational Order of the Eagles.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William R. and Kathleen l. McCulloch, his brother Jack T. McCulloch, grandson Justin James Florek and brother-in-law Calvin Stracener.
He is survived by his wife Verna, brother William R. McCulloch, Jr. (Carolyn), sister Patricia Stracener, sister-in-law Judy McCulloch, daughters Susan Florek (Jim) and Sandra Hougen, step-daughters Mackenzie Hynek (Jason) and Rachel Pemble Fahnert, grandson David Florek (Krystal), step-grandchildren Alex Helm, Tyler Merriam, Kaylee Hynek and Keauni Hynek, and great-grandchildren Bo, Reese and Wyatt Florek, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
“To all the days here and after —
May they be filled
With fond memories,
Happiness and laughter.”
- Old lrish Toast
Let’s all raise a glass to Jim, one of our favorite people ever!
“To laugh often and much,,
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
A redeemed social condition
Or a job well done;
To know even one other life has breathed easier
Because you lived;
...This is to have suceeded."
- R.W. Emerson
“Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal,
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal."
- Old lrish Quote