OBITUARY: James C. Cullen

James C. Cullen, 84, of Groton, passed away at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, VT Thursday, June 27, 2017. A wonderful father and husband, and a man of considerable charm and intelligence, Jim passed peacefully from this life with his beloved wife and four sons at his side.

The son of Charles E. Cullen and Helen Graham, Jim was born in 1933 in Boston, grew up in Shrewsbury with his four brothers, and was a 1950 graduate of St. John’s High School in Worcester. Following graduation from the College of the Holy Cross in 1954, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, served on the USS The Sullivans, and later retired from the Naval Reserve at the rank of Commander. After active military service, Jim married Jane Gabel in Livingston, NJ, earned his law degree from the New England School of Law, and settled in Groton, where he worked as an attorney in his own general law practice for more than 35 years. A founding member and past president of the North Middlesex Bar Association, Jim was active in Groton civic life as a member of the Groton Rotary, School Committee, and Groton Library Board of Trustees. During retirement, Jim spent much of his time with Jane in the beautiful mountains of Pittsfield, VT.

Jim is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Jane Cullen of Groton, as well sons James G. Jr. and his wife Alison of Manlius, NY; Paul and his wife Deborah of Ashby; Mark E. and his wife Anita of Dunstable; Sean P. and his wife Helen of Easton; and nine grandsons, many nieces and a nephew. He is also survived by brothers Robert J. Cullen and his wife Connie of West Yarmouth; and Br. Paul Cullen C.F.X., of Orangeburg, SC. He was preceded in death by brothers Charles Cullen (survived by his wife Rita) and John Cullen (and his late wife Carol), both of Shrewsbury.
Memorial services are private. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim in your thoughts and prayers.