James Willie Culver

James Willie Culver of Seminole passed away Sept. 18, 2023, at the age of 87. Visitation will be at Ratliff Funeral Home in Seminole on Friday, Sept. 22 from 6-7 p.m. Memorial services will be Saturday, Sept. 23, at First Presbyterian Church of Seminole at 10:30 a.m. No graveside service will take place. James is survived by his three children, Joe Tom Culver; John Culver and his wife, Denise; and Jamilyn Ferrara and her husband, Dan; as well as four grandchildren: Gabriel Culver, Sydney Culver, Micaela Rivera and Bailey Rivera. James was born Jan. 9, 1936, in Wichita County, TX, to Tom and Rubie (Ottwell) Culver. He attended Seminole schools and met his future wife, Barbara, at Seminole High School. Marrying at the age of 19, James and Barbara were married for 66 years before she passed away in 2022. James attended Odessa Junior College and Texas Tech University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. James taught for four years in Levelland before serving as principal of Central Elementary School. When James was drafted by the Army to serve in Germany, Barbara went with him and taught GIs on base. James often talked about the fact that Barbara not only figured out how to go with him, but she earned the pay of a Major, while he continued making the pay of a Private First Class. James and Barbara next moved to Fredericksburg, TX, where he served as a teacher, as well as principal of both the primary and junior high schools. He also was very active in Lion’s Club while living in Fredericksburg, serving as president during his time there. When James retired from teaching in 1986, he worked a number of jobs to keep himself busy until Barbara retired. He was an avid golfer and even scored a hole-in-one at Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course. James also was an avid visitor. Regardless of where he was, if he didn’t know someone when he walked in the door, he had friends when he left. When James and Barbara moved back to Seminole, he especially enjoyed having coffee and visiting at McDonald’s with friends old and new. He was an active member of the Rotary Club in Seminole. James will always be remembered as an amazing father and grandfather. He and Barbara adopted all three of their children, who were raised knowing that their parents had personally chosen them to love and be theirs. James’ personal relationship with Jesus Christ was demonstrated in so many ways throughout his life. While his family and friends mourn his loss, there is no doubt that James was greeted by his Lord and Savior with, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."