1938 – 2017
Born in Hollywood, Jim was an incredibly unique individual who made a great impression on everyone he ever encountered. He was a very creative and hard worker. Always confident, if he had a notion or idea to do something he wholeheartedly pursued any endeavor he could dream up. He wrote, recorded and pressed four songs on his own record “Stoker” label. Jim M.C.’d 1960’s soul concerts in Louisville, Kentucky and sang live on a regional Nashville television music show. He also starred in Academy Award Winning Disney Animator, Ward Kimball’s home movie project “Hot Pistols” at 11 years old…dabbled in the dramatic arts in high school and as a young man. He created a track and field based board game. A music lover all his life, Jim amassed a very valuable record collection focusing particularly on 50’s Rock ‘N’ Roll and R&B, 60’s soul and 70’s disco and regularly frequented record swap meets.
He worked all his life for System Auto Parks, working Dodger Stadium and several Academy Awards ceremonies, The Brown Derby, Musso & Frank’s Grill and other Hollywood establishments as a teenager and young man, then operating in many cities across the United States. He was very innovative in the parking industry always increasing revenue in the cities he operated.
Jim always had a great sense of humor even up until his last day. His extreme facial expressions were often noticed and rarely misinterpreted. He was very proud of his athletic accomplishments which included 21 “Iron Man” triathlons, several “Escape From Alcatraz” triathlons, running, biking, swimming and any track and triathlon associated events over the course of 30+ years…starting at the age of 39. At age 46 he ran a very respectable 800 meters in 2:10. A great joy in his life was encouraging his granddaughter to pursue track interests in elementary school through high school and she in turn gave him an interest in volunteer coaching in track which he continued after her graduation at Mercer Island High School, Islander Middle School for 12 years. “Coach Jim” was greatly inspired by the children he assisted.
He is proudest of his 56 year marriage to the love of his life, Patricia, who was with him until his final moment…which was his greatest wish.
Jim is survived by Patricia (wife) Charlene, Clair (daughters) Clark (son) Nicole, Casey, Kelly, Jackson (grandchildren) Tom & Barbara “Sky” (brother & wife) Scott (nephew) Colleen (niece) Ed & Diane (brother-in-law & wife) Grant (nephew) Roy (brother-in-law) . We were glad to have him as long as we did. He is missed terribly and loved dearly, always.
A private family celebration of Jim Cullen’s life was held in his honor.In lieu of remembrances, please contribute to Evergreen Hospice or charity of your choice.
