James Clair Culbertson

James Clair Culbertson, 85, of Franklin, passed away at 8:13 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26th at Sugar Creek Station.Born July 2, 1931, in Franklin, Jim was the son of the late Leal Allen and Emma Ross Culbertson. He married the former Betty Lou McKindree on December 28, 1953 and she survives.Mr. Culbertson was a 1949 graduate of Franklin High School. After graduating from high school, he enlisted on August 15, 1949 with the United States Marine Corps and served from 1949 until 1952. While in the Marines, he specialized as a radio operator and obtained the rank of Sergeant. He spent time at Camp Le Jeune, NC, the Korean War Zone, and the medical facilities in Japan. He was discharged from the Marines on November 28, 1952.While serving in military he was involved in several battle engagements: the Assault and Seizure of Inchon (September 15 - 16, 1950); the capturing and securing of Seoul (September 17 - October 7, 1950); participation in Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin Reservoir Campaign (October 27, 1950 - November 28, 1950); and was wounded in action at Hagaru-Ri, Chosin Reservoir, North Korea (November 28, 1950). As a result of being wounded, Mr. Culbertson was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation (w/ 1 bronze star), the US Korean Service Medal (w/3 bronze stars), the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Government Service Medal.James worked as a designer for General Motors Truck and Coach Division in Pontiac, MI from 1955 -1956; as a designer/chief draftsman for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company in Franklin from 1956 - 1980; and as a drafting/CAD instructor for Venango County VoTech School in Oil City from 1980 - 1997.He attended Penn State University, Behrend Campus in Erie, and obtained an Associate Degree in Drafting/Design Technology in 1955. In 1980 he attended Clarion University, Oil City Campus, for two years for accounting. In 1990 he graduated from Indiana University of PA with a Master Equivalency in Vocation Education.Mr. Culbertson also had many educational achievements: he was a "Content Expert" - Drafting Curriculum, Commonwealth of PA; Co-author of the National Drafting Competency Test at Indiana University of PA; and was considered a Technical Critic of Drafting Text Books for West Publishing Co., NY, NY.James was affiliated with several churches in the Franklin area: the First Baptist Church in Franklin; St. John's Episcopal Church in Franklin; as well as the Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church in Franklin, where he held the offices of Elder, Trustee, Deacon and Corporation President.His many civic activities included: Past chairman of Sugarcreek Township Sewer Authority; Past member of the Valley Grove School District Strategic Planning Committee; Past member of Venango County Votech School Strategic Planning Committee; Past Vice Chairman of the Venango County Planning Commission; and Past chairman of Sugar Creek Borough Board of Auditors. He currently was serving as President of the Board of Trustees at Polk Center.Mr. Culbertson was also an active member of the numerous Masonic Orders, including: Myrtle Lodge No. 316 in Franklin (Worshipful Master - 1967);  Venango Lodge of Perfection AASR in Oil City (Thrice Potent Master - 1984); New Castle Consistory AASR; Venango Royal Arch Chapter No. 211 in Franklin (Most Excellent High Priest - 1970); Keystone Council Royal & Select Masters No. 42 in Franklin (Thrice Illustrious Master - 1969); and Franklin Commandery No. 44 (Eminent Commander - 1968).As a member of the Masonic Order he held numerous state offices, including: Pennsylvania District Deputy Grand Master, 23rd District. He was also a recipient of the following Masonic Awards: York Cross of Honor (Pittsburgh 1971); the Meritorious Service Award AASR (Hershey 1992); and 33rd Degree AASR (Pittsburgh 2000).James also enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, deer hunting, and has played in the same card club for more than 50 years. He also was an avid genealogist, and did extensive research on his family.In addition to his wife, Betty Lou, he is survived by his son, Mark Allen Culbertson and his wife, Karen, of Omaha, NE; his daughter, Paula Ann Baldwin and her husband, Glen, of Orville, OH; his grandchildren, Julie Ann Baldwin of Orlando, FL, Gloria Lynne Culbertson and Grace Emma Culbertson, both of Omaha NE, and Kevin Thomas Baldwin of Stephens City, VA; and his 2 great-grandchildren, Presley James Goodenberger and Phillip Mark Goodenberger, both of Omaha, NE.He is additionally survived by his brother, Edward Hayes Culbertson and his wife, Ruth; and his sister-in-law, Lucille Culbertson, all of Franklin.In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Culbertson.As per the family's request, services for Mr. Culbertson will be private and held at the convenience of his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin PA.The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the charity of one's choice.To send cards, flowers, or online condolences, friends and loved ones are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.