James McCulley

JAMES DEAN MCCULLEY

Columbus Junction

James Dean McCulley, 94, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at the Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Joseph Brown officiating. General calling hours will begin 2 p.m. Friday at Jones & Eden Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment will be held at the Columbus City Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Marion Avenue Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent for Dean's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Dean was born Oct. 24, 1927, in Port Louisa Township in Louisa County, Iowa, the son of Glen and Ruth (Cockrill). He attended Indian Creek Country School, east of Columbus Junction. Dean was united in marriage to Letha Viola Boulton on Nov. 8, 1947.

Dean lived all of his life in the Columbus Junction community, where he was a farmer. He moved to Halcyon House in 2019. Dean was an active member of Marion Avenue Baptist Church, where he was head usher for many years. Dean was instrumental in building the annual Cornucopia display and he hosted the annual hayrack ride for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and sharing his creations with family and friends. Dean was passionate about his yard and garden. Dean truly loved his family and looked forward to the monthly gatherings with the "McCulley brothers."

He is survived by his daughter, Jean Dantuma and husband Howard of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Dianne Coolbaugh and husband Chet of Ottumwa, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Corrine McCulley of Washington, Iowa; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Elvin McCulley and wife Beverly of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Bev McCulley; sister-in-law, Betty McCulley; and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Letha, in 2019; son, Rick, in 2012; and five brothers, John, Glen Jr., George, Dave and Bill.