James D. "Buck" McCullough

Memorials are requested to the Melcher-Dallas Fire and Rescue Department. Buck passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Monday, August 11, 2008 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born in Hartford, Iowa to Millard and Opal McCullough on December 23, 1930. At a very young age the family moved to Melcher which he considered his hometown. Buck graduated from Melcher High School in 1950. That year he met the love of his life Janice Baker at a local dance in Lacona. On June 3, 1951 they were united in marriage, having a beautiful and loving relationship for over 57 years. They were blessed with 4 daughters: Brenda, Cheryl, Jamie, and Jen. During his younger years, Buck worked several jobs, including being a custodian at the Melcher-Dallas High School for 8 years. In 1972 Buck was employed at John Deere in Ankeny and retired with 25 years of dedicated and proud service. Buck was a collector of baseball caps. Friends traveling would always bring back a cap from their vacations. His collection consisted of as many as 1000 caps, most displayed in his basement. He was an avid sports fan. From 1950 to 1970 Buck was well known for his ability to ...[more]

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ch for local fast-pitch softball teams. Several years were devoted to the Newbern team. Buck also enjoyed watching televised baseball and football games, being both an Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Vikings fan. During Buck's high school years he held the record for many years as having the single longest yardage run during a game. Even though there were several times his health did not permit him to attend the Melcher-Dallas Football games, he would sit on his porch to hear the announcer give the play-by-play. He also encouraged and trained two of his daughters to pitch softball during their high school and college years, showing his support and pride in their accomplishments. Buck loved to spend time sitting on his front porch, watching friends drive by, waving to all regardless if he knew them or not, Sometimes even slipping in an occasional nap. Buck never met a stranger. He loved to tell stories of the past and what was going on since his retirement from John Deere. Buck was quite the prankster, always having a good time with those he knew. He truly cherished his family and friends. Buck will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Buck was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Nelson, grandson Wade James Jones, siblings: Millard McCullough, Ruth Muse, Darlene Cowan, Norma Vrban,Margaret Hedrick, and Betty Sharpneck. Buck is survived by his wife of 57 years Janice; daughters: Brenda Vanagas of Melcher, Jamie (Juan) Harrison of De Soto, and Jen (Mike) Jones of Carlisle; son-in-law Barry Nelson of Melcher; 4 grandchildren: Jared Nelson, Justin Nelson, Derien Jones, and Kevin Jones; brothers: John (Connie) of Knoxville, Bob (Barbara) of Pleasantville, Jerry (Linda) of Bondurant, and Keith (Emily) of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.