James Erskine McCullough
James Erskine McCullough, 74, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He was born on May 13, 1948, to the late Reverend James and Mrs. Ozell McCullough in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His parents provided a loving, Christian environment for their son. James joined Rock Island Baptist Church at an early age. He was educated in the Chattanooga school system, graduating in 1966 from Howard High School. He served honorably in the United States Army Medical Branch as a Medical Specialist. James was also a member of the Prince Hall Masons.
James spent many childhood summers in Huntsville, Alabama, where he learned about his mother's upbringing in Hurricane Creek. There he was exposed to picking cotton, outhouses, farming, and bathing in washtubs. He enjoyed fishing with his brother and cousins, listening to the elders speak of the family's history and good ole country “eatin". His maternal grandmother, mother, and aunts shaped his love for preparing mouth-watering soulful food dishes. James was outgoing and never met a stranger. He loved to dress and took fashion cues from no one. James loved cars and had a great collection of matchbox cars rivaling any of his neighborhood friends. As he got older, he enjoyed "diggin the scene with his gangster lean" while driving his Cadillac.
James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mr. Walter Vaughn; grandson, Darius Chestnutt; mother-in-law, Mrs. Lennise Gillette; and niece, Marshia Gillette.
Survivors include his wife and caregiver, La'Tanya McCullough; children, Jesse (LaKesha) Chestnutt of Atlanta, GA, Shaun (Aja) McCullough of Zionsville, IN, Marcus (Tish) McCullough, and Sarah McCullough, both of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Jarad Earley, Carma, Carmilah, and Micheal Williams, Zion, Milynn, Collin, Paige, Reese, Jackson, Mia, Adam, and Hope McCullough, Jeremy and Stephon Chestnutt, Zylan, Zynla, Jacorey, Kamara, and Layionie; an aunt, Mrs. Annie Bell Davis of Huntsville, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James will lie in state on Monday, March 20, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel with Marcus McCullough giving words of comfort. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.