Beloved Educator, Husband, Father and Grandfather, Dr. James Shelby McCullar, laid down his mantle on Thursday, March 16, 2023 and went to his heavenly home from Baptist Hospital-Oxford. He was 74. Shelby was born in Memphis, Tn on Aug. 26, l948 to the late James Shelby McCullar, Sr. and Dean Johnson McCullar. He grew up in Batesville and graduated from South Panola High School. He received his BA in Physical Education at the University of Mississippi and his MA degree in Education Administration from Ole Miss as well as a specialist from there. He also completed course work at Mississippi State University. He enjoyed being a Coach early in his career and taught Golf as well. Shelby taught in the South Panola School District for 10 years before transferring to the Tallahatchie County School District where he spent 9 years. Dr. McCullar then became a beloved principal in the Pontotoc City School System for 9 years. While at Pontotoc, he was credited for advancing test scores to the highest level in the State. He became a part of the Tupelo Public School District in l997 serving as Principal of Lawhon Elementary School before retiring in 2000. Again, he led their test scores to the highest in the state. The City of Tupelo honored him with a grand celebration on Shelby McCullar Day! After retirement, he became the Grant writer for Itawamba Community College where his skills were highly recognized and rewarded and where he performed yeoman work on developing an Alternate Path for Educators and Administrators. This led many people to the field of teaching from the private sector. All total, he had over 40 years as an educator and won many awards for his innovated approaches to educating school children. Shelby enjoyed life and lived large. He was a guitarist in the rock and roll bands, Swingin’ Medallion and the Archmen. Shelby loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting, running his dogs and spending time with his family and friends. He never quit bragging on his children and was so proud of their accomplishments. Shelby was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pontotoc. His life made a difference in other’s lives and his living was purpose filled, generous and remarkable. He will be missed by family and friends.
A Joyful remembrance celebrating his life will be held at 6 PM Monday, March 20, 2023 at First Baptist Church-Pontotoc with Dr. Ken Hester officiating. Visitation will begin at 4 PM on Monday at the Church and will continue until service time. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.
Shelby is survived by his wife, Donna Fowler McCullar of Cherry Creek; his children, James Shelby “Tripp” McCullar, III and his wife, Janan of Leesburg, VA, Forrest Brooke McCullar Raines and husband, Wesley of Ecru, Elizabeth Hunter McCullar McCrory and husband, Collin of Fulton and Meredith Grace McCullar Comer and husband, Caleb of Starkville; Poppy’s grandchildren, Josh and Sofiya McCullar, Owen Timber Raines and Miles Rion McCrory; two nephews and a niece, Ryan and Michael Boone and Suzanne “Susie” Brown and their families and a host of friends and fellow educators everywhere. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dean McCullar, his in laws, O.D. and Helen Fowler and a sister, Barbara McCullar Boone.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of his favorite causes, First Baptist Church Building Fund, 31 West Washington St., Pontotoc, MS. 38863.
