James Quinlan Gulnac

Obituary of James Quinlan Gulnac
James Quinlan Gulnac
Olean, NY It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Quinlan Gulnac, who departed this life on October 15, 2025, at the age of 79.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Bonnell Gulnac; his siblings, Jeffrey Gulnac (Carmen) and Jill Gabriele; his children, Damon Gulnac (Kristin), Patricia Collier, Michelle Courtney, and John Gulnac (Sarah); his grandchildren, Tyler Gulnac, Zachary Gulnac, Victoria Gulnac, Sharron St. John (James), and Taylor Gulnac, and his great-grandchildren, Raith and Maya St. John.
James is predeceased by his parents, Josephine Alexanderson and John Rathborn Gulnac, and his son-in-law, Kevin Collier.
Born on February 26, 1946 in Albany, NY, James lived a life rooted in love, purpose, and courage. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was also a hard worker, and a person who believed in doing what was right even when no one was watching. His values were evident in the way he carried himself - a family man that chose others over himself every day.
James studied at Syracuse University and graduated with his BA in Political Science. He was an accomplished athlete during his time at Syracuse and lettered on the Crew team. James continued to be a true orange and blue fan for the rest of his life, watching hundreds of hours of Syracuse Basketball and other sports. He was a founding board member of the Sanford Mainers Baseball team and was an announcer for the team for many years. James was heavily involved in his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Olean, NY and Sanford, ME, a past president of the Sanford Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. James was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), VFW Post 1619 Olean, NY, and a member of the Olean American Legion.
James's career was extensive, both in and out of the military. He was commissioned to the US Army (Artillery) and served Active Duty and Reserves for 10+ years. While on Active Duty, he served in the Republic of South Korea during the Vietnam Conflict.
With 40+ years of experience in Municipal Government, James helped change the very foundation of multiple communities in different positions, most notably, as the Director of Planning & Community Development and Brownfields Coordinator in Sanford, ME. James was a recipient of the EPA Phoenix Award for Brownfields. He also worked helping the youth in various communities throughout the East Coast. He was on the Board of Directors who were charged with designing and building Southern Maine Veteran's Cemetery, where he will be interred.
James was a man of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep humility. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him, not through grand gestures, but through the simple, consistent way he showed up for others - with a helping hand, a listening ear and gentle advice, or a heartfelt laugh. Whether it was cooking and serving chicken livers at the Acton Fair, being there for his loved ones, sharing stories around the Sunday Brunch table, or anything else that was asked of him - James stepped up to the plate.
Friends are invited to join the family for services on November 7, 2025 at 2PM at Southern Maine Veteran's Cemetery in Springvale, ME. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately after at 6 Rollingwoods Drive, Springvale, ME.