Col James R McCullough

Foil: 13 Panel: 3 Column: 1 Line: 21

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Carol Godding

Col. James R. McCullough served for 30 years in the United States Air Force, preceded by service in the Army Air Corps and Air Force Reserve. His career began in 1943, and included service in Italy during World War II, fusion weapons testing in the Marshall Islands in the 1950's, nuclear weapons support at Kirtland AFB in the 50's and 60's, flying between Clark AFB in the Philippines and Vietnam in the late 60's, a tour in Vietnam in 1969-70, and final assignments in the Pentagon. He retired in 1973.

Col. McCullough was a pilot throughout his service, flying such diverse aircraft as the PT-17, AT-6, P-40, T-6, P-51, L-5, C-47, B-17, C-45, AT-11, AT-7, C-46, B-25, C-47, C-124, T-33, C-54, and a Beaver high-winged monoplane. He loved to fly, and a highlight of his retired life was the opportunity to fly a 747 flight simulator at Boeing in Seattle.

He received excellent educational opportunities while in the USAF, earning a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1959, and a Masters in Engineering Management at the University of Southern California in 1966.

Col. McCullough received the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star for service in combat zone; Air Medal for missions in combat zone; Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; American Theatre Service Medal; European Theatre Service Medal; WW II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal with bronze Service Star, Air Force Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal (not USAF).

After his retirement, Jim became an artist, creating over 100 "dioramas in perspective” which are displayed in homes, businesses and galleries throughout the world.

Jim was a devoted volunteer throughout his life, from leading a Scout troop in Albuquerque to extensive service with the Lions Club, fire and rescue, the Community Concert Association and many other organizations in Lake of the Woods, Virginia area for over 22 years.

His wife of nearly 60 years (as of 2003), Louise, was also active in this service to the community, as well as devotion to her life-long love of music as a school dance band pianist, choir and chorus member, choir director, pianist and member of Mu Phi Epsilon.

Jim and Louise have three children - Carol, a retired Boeing executive in Seattle; Nancy, a teacher and school administrator in Maryland; and Bill, an executive with a courier company in Delaware.