James Gordon McCulloh died peacefully on Jan. 13, 2026, at his home in Princeton, N.J., at the age of 91.
Jim was born in New York City on July 21, 1934, to Gordon McCulloh and Amy Goodwin McCulloh. He was raised in Rye, attended Kent School in Kent, Conn., and earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he was the coach of the sailing team in Annapolis, followed by an assignment at the Pentagon and many years in the Reserves.
Jim returned to Princeton University for his master’s in architecture. He worked for several notable firms, including IM Pei, creating award-winning designs for cultural, medical, hospitality, government, and residential uses.
Jim was also recognized for his achievements in the sailing community, racing in the Lightning, 210, and Etchells classes at American Yacht Club, where he was a trustee. He also served as navigator on several successful Newport to Bermuda races. Earlier, he was captain of the sailing team at Princeton and Commodore of Junior American Yacht Club (JAYC).
Jim moved from Rye to New York City, where he lived for many years before relocating to Carolina Beach, N.C., to enjoy the ocean views. He eventually decided to return north and settle in Princeton to be surrounded by a passionate and intellectual community. He audited many classes well into his 80s to feed his need for lifelong learning and curiosity. He made his daily walk of two to three miles around the campus for his physical well-being.
Jim is predeceased by his wives, Elizabeth Davidson McCulloh and Diane Tisher McCulloh, and sisters, Jean Kleinpeter and Anne deBronkart.
He is survived by his brother, Gordon (Sandy), and sister, Mary Virginia (Ginger) Betzler, and his children, James Sears (Jim) McCulloh of Yonkers, N.Y., Amy Goodwin McCulloh of Somers, N.Y., Hamiton and Maureen (Twomey) McCulloh of Issaquah, Wash., Davidson McCulloh of Stamford, Conn., and Christopher McCulloh of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Jim was proud of his four adult grandsons, Connor (and wife, Sidney), Spencer (and fiancé, Alexa), Brennan, and Duncan. It gave him great joy to meet his great-granddaughter, Madeline.
There will be a private family celebration of life. Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton, N.J.
