Obituary of John Edward McCullum
John Edward McCullum, age 76, of Joliet, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at home, with his loving wife by his side.
Born November 1, 1948, in Heidelberg, MS, he was the son of the late John Alexander McCullum and Nancy (Patterson) McCullum. He was a graduate of Joliet Township Central High School, and later attended Joliet Junior College. From 1970 to 1972, he proudly served with the United States Army until his honorable discharge and transfer to the Army Reserves.
John worked many years primarily as a chemical operator.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Alexander McCullum and Nancy (Patterson) McCullum; and his two sisters, Evelyn McCullum and Joyce Grant.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 30 years, Karla M. Martin-McCullum; three children, Lisa D. (Karen) McCullum-Harris, Jarrett E. McCullum, and Kellen M. (Joeanna) McCullum; seven grandsons, Edward McElrath, Elijah McCullum, Alexander McCullum, Jarrett McCullum, Jr., Julius McCullum, Kiano McCullum, and Idris McCullum; one great-grandson, Yahnis McElrath; two sisters, Nobia Welch and Mattie McCullum; one brother, Ernest McCullum; his wife’s mother, Gertrude Martin; two sisters-in-law, Tami L. Martin and Kendall C. (Walter) Martin-Cooper; one brother-in-law, Edgar M. (Meera) Martin Jr.; one uncle, James Carpenter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation for John McCullum will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Additional visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, from 9:30 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, Joliet Chapter, 850 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435 would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
