It is with deep sadness that The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) shares the news that Trustee and dear friend, Ambassador James B. “Jim” Culbertson, passed away at his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.
Jim was first recruited to the TFAS Board of Trustees by his good friend and TFAS founder David Jones in the 1980s and later served as Treasurer. For more than 35 years, Jim was unflinching in his support of the TFAS mission. Inspired by the sight of students from around the world engaging in respectful debates and shared learning, he became a steadfast supporter of TFAS programs. A generous donor and passionate advocate for TFAS, Jim believed deeply in preparing the next generation of leaders to advance the principles of freedom, free markets and responsible citizenship.
Jim’s life reflected a remarkable blend of service, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and commitment to America’s founding principles. A proud graduate of The Citadel, class of 1960, Jim began his career as an officer in U.S. Army military intelligence before venturing into business as the founder of Financial Computing, a software company that flourished under his leadership.
His career was also defined by deep involvement in public service and politics. In 1979, he was named the Outstanding Young Republican by the Young Republican National Federation. President George W. Bush later appointed him to the American Battle Monuments Commission in 2005 and, in 2008, named him U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, an honor that highlighted his lifelong devotion to his country.
Jim’s alma mater, The Citadel, recognized him repeatedly for his leadership and character. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2008, a Distinguished Alumnus in 2024 and was inducted into the inaugural class of the ROTC Hall of Fame in 2016, on the 100th anniversary of the ROTC.
His generosity, particularly to students from The Citadel, opened doors for countless young leaders.
In 2024, Jim established the James B. Culbertson Endowed Scholarship Fund, ensuring that promising students would forever benefit from the transformative TFAS experience. His gift has already supported two students who participated in TFAS’s D.C. Academic Internship Program in 2024 and 2025. Through this permanent legacy, Jim’s unwavering commitment to American ideals such as free enterprise and individual freedom will continue to inspire generations of students.
TFAS Chairman Randal C. Teague reflected on the many roles Jim played in his life. He said Jim, a white-tie ambassador, was officially “Your Excellency,” but to friends, he was “Jim” or “Cubby.”
“You had to earn his friendship, because a personality trait was he did not take your word for anything,” Teague said. “You had to prove what you thought. Words were never enough — only actions were. After many times over, you’d have gained his trust, and the friendship followed.”
“His deep appreciation for TFAS founder Dave Jones brought him to it. It was the cornerstone for over 30 years of service, and he made sure student after student had the scholarships necessary to participate in our programs. He did that so each could appreciate the brains, bones and muscles of the American Dream.”
TFAS is grateful for Jim’s decades of friendship, wisdom and generosity. His life and legacy will live on in the thousands of young leaders he believed in and invested in through TFAS.
Jim’s family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Forsyth Country Club, 3101 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Fund for American Studies, 1706 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, or to Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem.