Dr. James A. Culligan - Jim passed away peacefully on December 21, 2013 with family at his side and surrounded by love. He was born October 24, 1935 in Schenectady, New York to Robert and Hazel Culligan. He grew up in Miami, Florida and graduated from Miami Jackson High School in 1953. His military service with the US Coast Guard lasted from 1952-1960. His ranks included Seaman, Fireman, Third Class Petty Officer & Second Class Petty Officer (Electricians Mate). He moved to Gainesville where his love for the Florida Gators began. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida. He became an agricultural teacher in LaBelle, FL for 10 years and during this time in Hendry County entered the Graduate program at UF obtaining his Master Degree of Agriculture in 1969. In 1970 he accepted a position in the Pasco County School system and was involved with the establishment of the pilot program for Vocational Agriculture for the State of Florida and taught Ag at Pasco High School. His education continued when he moved his family to Maryville, Tennessee and he received a Doctorate of Education Degree with a major in Vocational-Technical Education and minors in Administration and Supervision of Higher Education from the University of Tennessee. After graduation, he moved to Dade City, FL where he began working as Dean of the East Pasco Campus and Chief Academic Officer for Pasco-Hernando Community College. He retired from the State Of Florida after 18 years as the Director of the Florida Advisory Council on Vocational and Technical Education in Tallahassee...traveling to Tallahassee every week allowing his family to stay rooted in Dade City. He served in many community organizations and was involved for years as an advisor with the Future Farmers of America. The FFA was a huge part of his life and he loved influencing young minds. He also enjoyed snow skiing every winter with family and friends, snorkeling, golfing, country music & dancing. A huge Gator fan, he missed only a few home football games for the UF Gators. His primary love of his life was his family, which includes his wife of 58 years Terry and his children, Greg, David (Lorraine), Dennis (Neysa), Kathy (Lee) and Karen, along with his eleven grandchildren Christopher (Stephanie), Tyler (Tayler), Kristen, Matt, Jessie, Lindsey, Kori, Michael, Turner, Wesley & Katelin; three great-grandchildren; brother Bill Culligan (Carol); brother-in-law Frank Sutera (Joyce) and nieces, nephews & cousins. He is predeceased by his parents & Brother Bob Culligan. He was a wonderful husband, the best father and a loyal friend to many. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the FL Chapter of FFA at flaffa.org. His smile and his sense of humor will be dearly missed. We love you Papa Bim. A memorial service and "celebration of life" will be held Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11am at Hodges Funeral Home 14046 5th Street in Dade City, FL
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