December 15, 1934 – September 6, 2022
Survivors include his life’s love, Cecilia; daughter Michelle and spouse Christopher Fleischer; son James Thomas Cullinan III and spouse Peggy; six precious grandchildren, Charlie Fleischer, Will Fleischer, Max Fleischer, TJ Cullinan, and twins Liam Cullinan and Eli Cullinan-all the joy of his life. His brother, Jay, and spouse, Anne, reside in Raleigh, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Elsie Cullinan and his sister Joan Maly.
Jim’s journey throughout life included many destinations and dreams. His family migrated from Philadelphia with the Textile Industry to the South — four high schools in three different states. After excelling in basketball and math in high school, his dream was to play basketball for the best basketball college in the South, NC State! He decided if he didn’t make the team, he would study Engineering. After a brief time at NC State, he took a 2-year break from college to take advantage of the GI Bill, hoping time would help him decide on his future educational path. A visit to Germany with the US Army convinced him to return to school for his Engineering degree. He was recruited by Sonoco Products Company, where he started his career in Orlando, FL serving as a Quality Control Engineer, Product Development Coordinator, Plant Manager, Area Manufacturing Manager, and Director of Manufacturing. His career lasted 22 years at Sonoco. He later pursued other ventures in consulting.
He met his wife Cecilia in 1968 and they instantly fell in love with an unbelievable short engagement. This September 28 they would have celebrated their 54th anniversary.
Jim cherished family most of all. He considered himself patriarch of the Cullinan Clan and took it very seriously. He always provided wisdom and guidance to family throughout his life. He loved keeping tabs on what family members were up to and always immensely proud of his relatives’ accomplishments, often being their greatest cheerleader.
Jim’s Catholic spiritual strength emanated from his grandfather and mother who lost her own mother at an early age. His grandfather traveled for work, so he placed his children into Catholic boarding school. The nuns had a wonderful influence on how his mother lived. His grandfather was a religious man and attended many Catholic retreats every year. Jim would remember walking past his grandfather’s rooms to see him on his knees by the bedside saying his prayers. These early influences set the tone in how Jim related with everyone he encountered in life.
Cecilia Cullinan has dedicated her life to caring for Jim, especially during these last years of his life. Cecilia awakened at night to assist him and help him with his daily needs. More recently, Michelle and Jim were also dedicated to the comfort and care of Jim, who passed away peacefully in Longwood, Florida at the age of 87.
Funeral services are scheduled on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10am at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Burial will be immediately following at Highland Memorial Gardens, Apopka, Florida. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.