James Dewitt McCullough, Jr.
July 26, 1953 - July 3, 2025
Jim McCullough, age 71, passed away on July 3, 2025. He was born July 26, 1953 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to James Dewitt McCullough Sr. and Peggy Bohannon McCullough (both deceased). He is Survived by his wife, Nora Schwartzkopf McCullough; daughter, Raleigh Palis, and husband Chris, of Spring, TX; stepson, Leonard (Trey) Svrcek, III of Austin, TX; stepdaughter, Madison Rodon, and husband Matt, of Spring, TX; and granddaughters Sailor Palis of Spring, TX, and Harper Rodon of Spring, TX.
Jim was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and received a BA in Geology from UT-Chattanooga. He received a MS in Geology from Memphis State University. Upon that graduation, Jim began a 30+ year career as a Petroleum Geologist in Lafayette, Louisiana and in Houston, Texas, where he lived for over 20 years. He worked for several companies, retiring from ConocoPhillips as Global Chief Geologist. He loved geology and worldwide travel with his wife, Nora.
Upon retirement, Jim and Nora built a home in the Hill Country of New Braunfels, TX. He became active in that community, becoming a Master Naturalist, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Tye Preston Memorial Library, The Gorge Preservation Society and in his Waggener Ranch Neighborhood.
Jim and Nora continued his love of geology by traveling to mineral shows around the country. Jim was an avid fan of the Tennessee Volunteers and enjoyed the friendly rivalry with the other UT (Texas), where Nora was a graduate.
By request, no funeral service will be held, as it was Jim’s wish to have his ashes scattered amongst a geological site significant to him by his immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gorge Preservation Society and/or the Lindheimer Master Naturalist Organization. Donations may be sent to the addresses listed below. Please indicate the donation is in memory of Jim McCullough.