James Nelson McCullough

James Nelson McCullough

July 4, 1925 — Sept. 24, 2008

FLORENCE, Colo. — James Nelson McCullough passed away Sept. 24, 2008, at the age of 83 at the Colorado Veterans Home in Florence, Colo. James was born in Colorado Springs, Colo. on July 24, 1925.

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 1943 and later graduated from Michigan University. Jim was in the United States Air Force and was a navigator on a B-24 bomber in World War II attaining the rank of Captain. He was one of the founders of the Western Slope Culinary Art Show. He was manager of the Officers Club at Ft. Carson, Colo. and was founder and chef of the Glen Eyrie Restaurant in Montrose. Jim had a love of culinary art as well as fine art. He was a sculptor of wood and also of bronze busts. His latest bronze busts included “Chiefs of the Seven Western Indian Nations.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; and his sister, Rita. He is survived by six children (from his first marriage): Marguerite McCullough of South Carolina, Joan Braucher of Ohio, Jim McCullough of California, Mike McCullough of Colo., Stephanie Thompson of Virginia, and Kelly Craddock of Ohio; two step-children, Robbie and Michael of Colo.; brother, Bill; sister, Margaret Reaves; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jim’s ashes will be scattered later in the San Juan Mountains.