I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff all day on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in Alexander City and Dadeville, and throughout Tallapoosa County to honor the life and service of former State Representative James Thomas Cullins, Jr., who passed away at age of 96 on June 20, 2026.

A native of east Alabama, James Cullins was born in Sylacauga in 1930 and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. Although the Second World War had just ended when Cullins was stationed in Germany, his mission was no less paramount. He manned a tank machine gun during the Berlin Airlift, defending and supporting the United States transportation of food, medical and other critical supplies to Allied-controlled portions of West Berlin. He was prepared to enter Russian controlled territory if the Soviets took hostile action against the U.S. Airlift. Fortunately, war was avoided and Cullins left the Service as a Master Sergeant in 1952. He studied for the ministry, earning degrees from Freed-Hardemen University and Southern Christian University. He and his wife soon settled in Alexander City where he passionately pursued his calling as a pastor. He was the driving force behind the construction of the modern Alexander City Church of Christ building as well as the successful Hillabee Towers senior living facility nearby. In 1990, James Cullins was elected to serve Tallapoosa County in the Alabama Legislature. He secured an aircraft for display in the veterans’ park of the Alexander City Sportplex. Owing to his talents as a minister, Rep. Cullins was an excellent orator. He returned his gaze fulltime to the pulpit after his Legislative term ended in 1994. He guest pastored at many local nursing homes including the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home. James Cullins was a patriot and a man of God who will be long remembered.

Flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, in Alexander City, Dadeville and throughout Tallapoosa County may be flown at half-staff from sunrise through sundown on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the day of former Representative James T. Cullins, Jr.’s interment.