James R. Cullen

James “Jim” Cullen, age 72, died peacefully after a long battle with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Cancer on the 30th of July, 2024, in Fishers, Indiana. Jim was born in Newark, New Jersey on August 23, 1951 to the late Thomas and Nora Cullen. Jim graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1969. Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama. Jim’s career in sales began with NCR Corporation in 1973 followed by work with AT&T. Later in life, he founded DMI Networks, negotiating IT and data processing contracts for Financial Institutions. He was extremely proud of DMI becoming a multi-generational consultant company.

Those who loved Jim will always remember his smile, his sense of humor and his thoughtful and tasteful gifts. Ever the optimist, he always saw the bright side of life regardless of the obstacles. His work ethic and talents were second to none, from his professional career to home projects, he could do it all. As a young man, he was an outstanding athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. He loved MSU athletics and was a Gus Macker 3-on-3 champion. As a very proud family man, he loved being around his children and grandchildren and his wife Maura was the love of his life. He was an excellent listener, and would befriend people from many walks of life, easily discussing a wide range of subjects from sports, to politics, current events, history and much more. Jim’s favorite holiday was Christmas, he always had the house and yard decorated and loved being Santa with Maura as an elf by his side. 

An avid golfer, he started the ‘Cullen Family Golf Tournament/Reunion’ which will begin its 11th year playing various courses in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and New Jersey with family members from Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri and North Carolina. A true patriarch of the family, Jim loved to bring everyone together to reunite, share stories, golf, and connect. His quiet leadership is reflected in many of his family members, as he was always there for them through both challenges and celebrations.

Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maura (Bickel), and three children, Ryan (Jennifer) Cullen, James T. (Abbie) Cullen, Mary Katherine (Matt) Soergel, sister, Cheryl Powers and brothers, Tom (Marilyn) Cullen and John (Kathleen) Cullen, and his grandchildren, Avery, Callie, and Jake Cullen, Shane, Nora, Eddie, and Emma Soergel. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Geist, located at 7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 8155 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46236.

Immediately following the services will be a procession to the final resting place ceremony, located at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation in memory of Jim by clicking here.