James Cullen

Mr. James Cullen was born in Muskegon, Michigan to the late James B. Cullen and the late Helen Gates. He has one sister, Maydell Thomas. He was dedicated to the Lord at an early age and sang in the choir. As a young man, he graduated from Carrie Martin High School in Louisiana, he loved playing basketball and running track. After high school he proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from Vietnam he married his high school sweetheart on August 21, 1971 Joyce Williams Cullen.  On November 24, 1974, their family grew when the sunshine of their life, Ebony Renee Patterson was born. As a family they loved traveling, gardening and hosting outdoor gatherings. Being a dependable, supportive and doting father was of the utmost importance to Mr. Cullen. As a father he was a teacher, he taught life lessons like no other. Stressing the importance of having dignity, integrity and enjoying life. He certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving and providing for his family.

Mr. Cullen worked for Ford Motor Company and retired as a hi-lo driver after 30 years. For the past 20 years he spent nearly every Thursday evening gathering with friends around sports, card games, great food, and conversation. As a football enthusiast and Chief’s fan, Mr. Cullen enjoyed yearly travel in support of the KC Chiefs. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family and friends. He was a home chef whose hot-water cornbread was one of the best cornbreads on this side of the Mississippi river. Adored by his family and friends he was a comedian at heart. They say laughter does good like medicine, well Mr. Cullen could’ve been a physician. His witty personality, quick one liners and abundance of colloquialism always kept a smile on the faces of his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Joyce Williams Cullen and daughter Ebony Renee Patterson; granddaughters, Aniyah Grace Patterson and Elise Joy Patterson, sister; Maydell Thomas, niece; Andrea Thomas, cousins in Michigan, Louisiana and Texas, bestfriend; Drew Williams (Sandra), sister-in-love; Voncile Williams, brothers-in-love; John Nelson (Patricia), Fred Williams (Patty), Dennis Williams (Sylvia), Lorenzo Williams, Darnell Williams and a host of loving family and friends. He was preceded in passing by his father; James B. Cullen and mother Helen Gates.