James "Jim" Allan Cull

Jim fought a very courageous battle with Corticobasal Degeneration Disease (CBD). He passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Friday, 13 March 2026, at the age of 67. He was born on Saturday, 30 August 1958, to the late Raymond and Roberta Claire (Left) Cull in Bay City, Michigan. He started his career as a Merchant Marine, sailing across the Great Lakes. Later in life, he retired from the City of Bay City Water Department, where most people knew him affectionately as “Vern”.

The most important thing to Jim was his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Papa Jim shared a special birthday with his granddaughter Eva, something they were both very proud of. He enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time with them on Beaver Island, and later in life, at his new cottage in Sterling. Jim was a quiet man, but those who knew him well, knew him to be a compassionate and generous individual.

He loved going on adventures and spending time outdoors. You would often find him riding around town on his bike; he enjoyed golfing, camping, canoeing; and loved walking his property with his grandchildren. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, playing cribbage, and never missed his Monday night Pool league, with friends of over 40 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed winter trips Up North, and teaching his nieces and nephews how to ski. He could never pass up a family game night, and schmier was one of his favorite card games.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Ann (Belfy) Cull; son, James Erwin (Partner, Moisés) Cull; daughter, Katherine (Trevor) Donaldson; grandchildren, Levi, James and Eva June Donaldson; siblings, R. Dale (Nancy) Cull, R. Dennis Cull, Carly Bell, Bonnie Rice, Mary VanDenBosch, Julie (Mike) Cherry, Peggy (Gary) Bowersock, and John (Linda) Cull; mother-in-law, Emma Jean Belfy; sister-in-law’s, Alice Belfy, Suzy (David) Breden, and Kathleen (Brian) Antkoviak; brother-in-law, Mark (Gina) Belfy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Cull; nephew, Vincent Rice; and father-in-law, Erwin Belfy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff and nurses who helped along the way, especially The University of Michigan Hospital, MyMichigan Hospice, and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. They are incredibly appreciative of all the care and thoughtful support that you have shown throughout this difficult time.

Funeral Service for Jim will take place on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home in Bay City. Officiating will be Rev. Father Jose Cabrera. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to CurePSP (www.psp.org) or family wishes. The mission of CurePSP is to increase awareness, educate, and find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases, including Corticobasal Degeneration Disease (CBD).