James Moran Cull

James Moran Cull, 85, former Birdsview community resident, passed away on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at Sedro-Woolley Adult Family Home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

James was born in Seattle, WA on September 27th, 1940, the son of Cecil R.C. & Evelyn L. (Johnson) Cull. He was raised and attended school in Everett, WA, graduating from Everett High School with the class of 1958. He worked as an Assistant Manager and then Manager for Sprouse-Reitz five-and-dime store chain and then for Woolworths where he met JoAnn Robinson.

On July 23, 1960, James and JoAnn were married and they made their home and began raising their family in Bellingham, WA; and James eventually worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department and later managed The Viking Restaurant for his stepfather before he joined the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy, Bomb Tech and Detective. Though he never talked about his work, we at least knew what he did or the positions he held.

In 1970, the family moved to Marysville, WA where he was assisted by JoAnn in his photography business, Candid Moments by James, which they operated for 20 years. In 2003, Jim & JoAnn moved to Birdsview, WA.

James was a very family oriented and giving person though you typically wouldn't know it, as he would give money and resources to people, families and organizations anonymously. He felt that's how it should be done. Most times the people themselves didn't know where the money came from.

He was a quieter person, except around family and close friends but also believed in standing up for what was right though he was not an activist. He enjoyed the holidays immensely and took great joy in making Christmas truly the most wonderful time of the year – baking, shopping, wrapping presents and decorating and if anyone didn't have a place to go for the holidays, making sure they knew they had a place at the table of his and JoAnn's home.

He and his family attended Grace Baptist in Marysville, First Baptist in Marysville and later Hamilton Baptist and Cowboy Church which he really loved.

James was very artistic and talented in drawing and as a painter. He had an off-beat but continuous sense of humor and loved to sing, especially silly songs with and to his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America not only as a youth but later as a Scout Master. He enjoyed going camping and traveling on his yearly vacations across the Western states including Disneyland, Las Vegas, Glacier & Yellowstone National Parks. He enjoyed raising orchids, photography, collecting everything from model trains, coins, stamps, sports cards and later in life really enjoyed collecting autographs with his son James, especially when he could meet the celebrities in person. Two of his personal favorite celebrities to talk and spend time with were Scott Schwartz (Flick) from A Christmas Story and Beverly Washburn from Old Yeller fame.

James is survived by his sons, Jim Cull of Marysville, Richard Cull of Everett and Michael Cull and wife, Christine of Arlington; grandchildren, James, Kevin, Bryce, Teela, Duncan, Cali, Summer, Austin and Ashley and great-grandchildren, Lillyana, Aiden, Brayden, Olivia, Teagen, Aria, David, Camden, Theo, Parker, Roman, Isla, Vodie, Wyatt, Walker, Gloria (Lynx), Joy, Cloud, Izzy and Liam; sister, Claudia Grimmer; niece, Molly Sullivan and nephew, Breck Grimmer; sister-in-law, Pamela Jacobson and nieces, Debbie Calloway & Denise Williams; very loving long time companion, Betty Newcombe whose constant love, support companionship and deep friendship gave him peace, laughter and a will to live in his final years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Evelyn; wife of almost 57 years, JoAnn, and by their daughter, Kerri Aguilar.

No Funeral Services were held per James' express wishes. Private interment was done at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett. Arrangements were under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of James and sign the online guest register.