Obituary of James Cullen JR

Niskayuna - James T.Cullen Jr. died Friday, August 15, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Schenectady N.Y., Jim was the son of the late James T. Cullen and Isabelle Plude Cullen. Jim graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1955 where he served as a class officer and excelled in basketball and golf. In 1961, he received his bachelor's of architecture degree from Cornell University. From 1961 to 1963 he served in the United States Navy. Upon his return to Schenectady, he served his apprenticeship with John Link Associates and following licensure, formed a partnership, Link & Cullen Architects. Following Mr. Link's passing, Cullen Associates, Architects was created and continued until his retirement in 2002. Some of his notable building designs were the original Schenectady Chemical Building on Balltown Road; the Achilles Rink on the Union College campus; the former Mohawk Bank at Thomas Corners in Glenville and Llenroc. These and his other designs stand as monuments to his skill and creative passions. Jim truly believed in "Service above Self" serving as a long time director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady; working with the Chamber of Commerce; serving as chair of the Glenville Zoning and Planning Commission; chairing the Electrical Licensing Board of the City of Schenectady. He was a loyal Rotarian, first in Scotia Rotary and then as a founding member of the Glenville Rotary Club where he was elected a Paul Harris fellow. His love of sailing eventually led to his being commodore of the Northern Lake George Yacht Club. He is survived by his wife and loving partner of almost 49 years, Elizabeth (Betty Kay) Cullen; his son James and his wife Teresa; his grandchildren, Christopher and Jahlea of Fairport, N.Y.; his daughter Catherine and her partner Diedre Buckley of Madison, Wis.; and his brother Alfred T. Cullen of Clifton Park, as well as many cousins and in-laws. Jim elected to make an anatomical gift upon his death so others might learn about and move towards a cure for Parkinson's disease. The family wishes to thank his doctors Bruno Tolge and R.J. Donohue, whom he considered among his friends. Special thanks are due to the nurses and aides at Ellis 6A and the caring members of Community Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady, P.O. Box 466, Schenectady, NY 12301 or to Community Hospice, 1411 Union St., Schenectady NY 12308. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Mohawk Golf Club, 1849 Union Street, Niskayuna on Saturday, August 23, 2008, at 4pm. A reception will follow.