03/31/2026
John McCullough Jr.
John was born on April 7,1936,
in New York City, New York to Althea and John McCullough, Senior.
John received his early education in New York City public schools. At age fifteen he met the love of his life, Emily Baird. They had a four-year courtship and
were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 31, 1955, at Saint Philip’s Church in New York City, New York.
Upon marriage to Emily, he relocated to North Carolina, where he and Emily welcomed their first three daughters.
In 1965, they relocated to Maryland
upon John’s military reassignment and they welcomed their fourth daughter. John was a pillar of strength and an awesome husband, father and provider who stuck with his family through thick and thin. He cherished his wife and was a very proud “girl dad” and taught them integrity, responsibility, accountability, dependability, and loyalty.
John served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from October 8, 1953, to April 13, 1974, and attained the rank of MSgt (E-8). His overseas deployments included Korea, Japan, and two tours in Vietnam, and he earned many decorations and awards to include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam
Service Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation.
John joined the Supreme Court of the United States police force from June 7, 1974, to February 29, 2000, and held the rank of Private First Class. One of the highlights of his second career was providing armed protection and transportation for the late Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall.
On February 25, 2026, John peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. John leaves a legacy of many fond memories and was a blessing to all whose lives he touched.
John is preceded in death by his wife Emily, parents Althea and John McCullough Senior, siblings Frank McCullough, Pearl Claiborne. Those
left to cherish his memory are daughters Judith Hall (Marcus), Leslie Horton (Melvin), Stephanie McCullough,
Robin McCullough, grandchildren Amber Shepherd, John Frederick, Megan Peoples (Juan), Jordan Frederick,
Tierra Smith, great-grandchildren
Jamarri Smith, Janae Peoples, Isabella Frederick, Mason Shepherd, Lucas Shepherd, nieces, nephews, and
a host of dear friends.
Visitation will be held on
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at
St. Mary of the Assumption
Catholic Church,
14908 Main Street,
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772,
from 10:00 a.m. until
Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be held on
Thursday, April 16, 2026, at
Maryland Veterans Cemetery,
11301 Crain Highway,
Cheltenham, Maryland 20623
at 10:30 a.m.
You may leave your condolences at: https://john-mcculloughjr.forevermissed.com
