James H. Culp, prominent in the business and fraternal life of the Town of Grimsby for the last half century, died on Saturday in his 73rd year. Although in failing health for some time, he had been able to be out and around until Tuesday when he suffered a seizure from which he failed to recover.
He was a past master of Union Lodge, A.F. & A.M., No. 7, G.R.C., in which he was made a Mason 48 years ago; a past first principal of Grimsby Chapter No. 69, R.A.M.; a past grand superintendent of Niagara District, R.A.M., and a past patron of Grimsby chapter No. 159, Order of the Eastern Star; also a member of Godfrey de Bouillon Preceptory, No. 3 K.T. and Rameses Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.
A son of the late Nelson and Mary Culp, he was born at Grimsby on August 1, 1877, and had resided here all his life. He and his brother, the late Ernest Culp, opened the second ice cream and confectionery store in Grimsby which they operated for several years. Later, he owned a men's furnishing store, and acted as Canadian Pacific Railway and telegraph agent for some 25 years until retiring a few years ago. He was a former member of the Town Council.
A bandsman for well over 50 years, he had played cornet in the Grimsby town band, and later in the old 44th Regiment band which was formed in 1903 and broke up during the First World War. Following the war, the town band was re-organized and he again joined it, taking an active part until it ceased to function some 10 or 12 years ago.
He took an active part in lawn bowling in younger years, and until his death, was a strong supporter of local hockey and softball teams.
He is survived by a daughter, Dorothy, in Toronto; a brother, Arthur Culp, Grimsby; and five sisters: Mrs. Edwin Grobb, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Mrs. George Glasser, Memphis, Tennessee; Mrs. Henry, Edmonton, Alberta; Mrs. T.N.Dean, Kincardine; and Mrs. C.H. Walker, Grimsby.
Funeral services were conducted from the Stonehouse Funeral Home on Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. J.P. McLeod, of St. John's Presbyterian Church officiating.
Members of the Masonic Lodge, of which deceased was a valued member, attended in a body to honour their departed Brother.
Casket bearers were Messrs. N.J.M. Lockhart, C.W. Lewis, Albert Jarvis, Norman Harris, H.B Betzner and J.L. Dunham.
Interment was made in Queen's Lawn Cemetery.
