The Honorable James Ellsworth Kulp

1933 - 2025

The Honorable James Ellsworth Kulp

January 12, 2025

James Ellsworth Kulp, 91, died peacefully at his home on January 12, 2025. He was born in Lynchburg, VA, but raised in Roanoke, VA.

Jim was predeceased by his loving parents, Charles Gordon Kulp and Elizabeth Ellsworth Kulp; and his brother, Col. Charles Gordon Kulp, Jr. (ret.). Jim was the widower of Nancy Gay Gilliam with whom he had two sons, Christopher Gordon Kulp (Rosemary) and James Scott Kulp (Mary); and four grandchildren, Mabry, James, Georgia, and George. Jim later married Twyla Willey Gunter, who had four children, Lloyd Osgood (Tom), Bruce Gunter (Jenny), Byrd Rareshide, and Stuart Gunter; seven grandchildren, Layton, Worth, Jack, Grayson, Edward, James, and Juliette; and two great-grandchildren, Charleigh and Oakley. Jim always tried to instill in his children and grandchildren a pursuit of education and becoming the best they can be.

After graduating from Jefferson Senior High School in Roanoke, Jim obtained his undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College where he held several offices in the student government and was a member of the Honor Council and Omicron Delta Kappa. He was president of Chi Phi fraternity and president of Chi Beta Phi, an honorary scientific fraternity. In 1957, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in California, Okinawa (where he was a proud member of Stormy's 3/3), and in Washington, DC, (where he was a member of the Evening Parade staff at the Marine Barracks at 8th and I). After resigning his regular commission with the rank of Captain, he obtained his law degree from Washington and Lee University, where he was elected president of the University student body; president of the Honor Council; and a member of "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities."

Jim practiced law with Sands, Anderson, Marks, and Clarke and later became a member of the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, where he served as Deputy of a Civil Division and later as Deputy of the Criminal Division. On behalf of the Commonwealth, he appeared and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court five times and before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in numerous other cases. In addition, he tried cases in many state and federal courts across Virginia.

In 1986, Jim was elected by the Virginia General Assembly to serve as a judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit (Henrico County). Later, upon his retirement as a full-time sitting judge, he was designated to preside in many circuit courts across the Commonwealth, as well as a designated judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals. He enjoyed these roles immensely.

Jim was a teacher, having taught in the Roanoke public schools; at the Virginia State Police Training Academy; at numerous law enforcement schools in Virginia; as well as being an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University and several community colleges.

A faithful member of Richmond's First Baptist Church for nearly 60 years, Jim served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons; as a member of the Church's Endowment Fund; as a Sunday School teacher; and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He also served on the boards of the Poe Museum, LINC, and the Virginia Code Commission.

Jim was a student of the law and believed it is the law that holds societies together. He further believed that it is the duty of legislative bodies, and not the courts, to make the law.

During his retirement years, Jim enjoyed traveling with Twyla where they met many wonderful people from around the world. For him, a beach (with a good book) was hard to top.

The family would like to thank Trinity Hospice, especially Brandi and Cassandra, for their compassionate care during his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of the Honorable James E. Kulp to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation at www.marineheritage.org or mailed to MCH, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 23rd, at Bennett Funeral Home, Central Chapel, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. in Richmond. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 24th, at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave. A private burial will immediately follow.