James M. Culver

James M. Culver, 1948-2026

Captain Jim “Captain Bluesky,” as most people knew him—was a man with a big heart and many talents. He pursued and attained an eclectic lifestyle. Most of his friends knew the boat captain side of Jim, but throughout his life, he wore many hats and was proficient at all of them.

Jim grew up in Glens Falls, New York, one of seven children of Wesleyand Evelyn Culver. Growing up during the Vietnam era, he followed his father and brothers into service to his country by joining the Marines. Jim spent time at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune before taking his place as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he returned to Glens Falls, where he worked at Adirondack Community College as head of the Audio/Visual Department.

He also began a stint in radio, where he was a player in the radio show Saratoga Springs. It was during this time that he became interested in acting, playing several roles in different productions. Perhaps most memorable was his portrayal of Randall McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, for which he received rave reviews. Along those lines, he also attended “Clown School” where he adopted the persona of Buddy the clown.

In the 1970s, Jim moved to Eugene, Oregon. There, he attended the University of Oregon and sharpened both his sword and his wit on the fencing team—where jabbing people with swords was allowed and socially acceptable.

Upon returning to Glens Falls, Jim returned to radio and acting. As a natural progression, he branched out into reenacting and volunteered with the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater organization. During this time, he encountered a group of sailors who sparked his interest in sailing.

Jim took to the water, taught himself to sail on Lake Champlain, and then set out for adventure with his boat.

His passion and aptitude for sailing led him to obtain his Master’s license, which fueled his life as a boat captain. His boating career included running sailing charters in St. Thomas, USVI, and the Florida Keys; instructing for the Annapolis Sailing School; delivering boats all over the world; and captaining the local Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester.

There were many fun tales to tell about these adventures, and Captain Jim was especially adept at spinning those yarns.

All the while, Jim was a capable carpenter and mechanic, fixing up dwellings, boats, and whatever else needed rehabbing or repair.

Always blessed with a quick wit and a creative mind, Jim decided to channel that creativity into writing a novel, Bonemaker Blues, which was enjoyed by all who read it.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cheryl Campbell; daughter, Keegan Culver; brothers Joseph (Theresa) Culver, Daniel Culver, Mark (Michelle) Culver, Wesley (Sandy) Culver; and sister, Nancy Culver, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, and older brother John “Jack” Culver.

All in all, Jim was a man who loved life, his family, and his friends. Quick-witted and always ready to seize an opening for a comedic response, he had a gift for making people laugh.

And perhaps that was his greatest gift, because laughter may truly be the currency of life.

Captain Jim left behind a lifetime of stories, adventures, laughter, and love—and those who knew him are richer for having shared in them.