James Gordon McCulloh

James Gordon McCulloh died peacefully at his home in Princeton, New Jersey at the age of 91 on January 13, 2026.

Jim was born in New York City on July 21, 1934 to Gordon McCulloh and Amy Goodwin McCulloh. He was raised in Rye, New York. He attended Kent School in Kent, Connecticut and earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University. He 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. He returned to Princeton University for his master's in architecture. He worked for several noted 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, North Carolina 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 80's 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 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, New York, Amy Goodwin McCulloh of Somers, New York, Hamiton and Maureen (Twomey) McCulloh of Issaquah, Washington, Davidson McCulloh of Stamford, Connecticut and Christopher McCulloh of Brooklyn, New York. He was proud of his four adult grandsons, Connor (and wife, Sidney), Spencer (and fiancé, Alexa), Brennan and Duncan and 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, NJ.