James T. Cullen, loving husband, proud father and loyal friend, passed away February 26, 2020 at River Glen Health Care in Southbury after enduring many years of physical challenges with extraordinary courage.

Jim was born September 4, 1934 in Waterbury.  He leaves his wife of 58 years, Carolyn (Lynn) Cullen of Woodbury; a son, Scott J. Cullen, M.D. of Hingham, MA; two daughters, Lisa Cullen of Oradell, NJ; and Julie Lake, R.N. of Cumberland Center, ME; five grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Lush of Agawam, MA; a niece and two nephews, and many cherished friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, James "Red" Cullen and Margaret (Reilly) Cullen.

Jim was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and U-Conn basketball, as well as an avid reader.  He worked on his golf game for many years, but being with his buddies was really the best part of the sport as far as he was concerned.  He would agree with this quote from Keats:  "Think where man's glory begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends."

Jim graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, then entered the U.S. Army during the Korean war.  Upon returning home he worked for the former Connecticut Light & Power Company as a cable splicer before deciding to pursue a teaching career. He graduated from the University of Southern Connecticut, ultimately earning a 6th Year Certificate in Education.  He taught first in Middlebury, CT and then in Cheshire, CT.  During his years in Cheshire, he enjoyed many happy hours coaching girls' basketball and refereeing men's league games.

A funeral Mass with cremains present will take place at Prince of Peace Church (formerly St. Teresa of Avila) 146 Main Street, Woodbury on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org.

Jim's family would like to acknowledge the loving kindness shown him by his caregivers on 2 East at River Glen Health Care.  There are angels among us.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted he family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

Alzheimer's Association Connecticut
200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington CT 06489
Web: https://www.alz.org/ct/