MEET JAMES
James J. McCullagh is an experienced entrepreneur, engineer, inventor, and academic who grew up in Cedar Falls and is inspired to represent the people of Iowa in district 38 as State Senator.
James’ motivation to run for office comes from his love for family and community. He lives in the same neighborhood where he grew up and maintains residency at his historic childhood home. His parents, Cheryl and Jim, honorably served Iowans in many ways and made James the man he is today. His father James (Jim) G. McCullagh, was the son of Irish immigrants from the north of Ireland and served in the US Army. Following his military service, he earned a doctorate and taught thousands of students at the University of Northern Iowa for 40 years. His students learned how to heal and repair communities in the social work discipline. James’ father Jim introduced him to St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center in Cedar Falls, where he is still a member today.
His mother Cheryl Edwards McCullagh’s family had a long tradition of military service, including James’ grandfather who served in the US Army as a medical doctor in Europe in World War II. Cheryl had roots in Iowa and Missouri. Both Cheryl and Cheryl’s mother graduated from Graceland University in Lamoni Iowa, and her father practiced medicine in the VA in Des Moines after serving in World War II. In Cedar Falls Cheryl served the community as a school social worker, planning & zoning commission member, and in leadership roles with her church, the Community of Christ.
James’ parents saw him through Orchard Hill Elementary, Price Lab/NU High School, and earning Eagle Scout in Troop 44 in Cedar Falls. After growing up in Cedar Falls, James embarked on his academic and professional career. Beginning coursework at the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with a Bachelor of Physics from Carleton College. He then earned a Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University. Using this knowledge, he designed sophisticated integrated circuits for hard drives and communication devices working for companies such as IBM and Hitachi. Due to his exceptional work, he was awarded a prestigious national fellowship which led to earning a PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This provided him the insights to invent novel vibrational energy circuits, win major awards from the National Science Foundation and start his own energy company.
After a long and happy marriage, James’ mother Cheryl passed away in 2015, and in 2022 James’ father Jim passed away due to lifelong conditions. Jim McCullagh’s estate left substantial funds to be used for scholarships for his beloved students at the University of Northern Iowa. James had returned to Iowa to care for his family. After returning to Iowa, James reflected on the legacy of his parents who gave a great deal of their time and resources for scholarships to make a better Iowa. Using his extensive experience and education, he decided he can best serve Iowa as a State Senator, where he’ll reform education, protect Iowa farmers, and stimulate business development.
