John Ewalt McCulloch

John E. McCulloch (Johnny) was born Dec 12, 1957, to John F. and Sylvia McCulloch in Mobile, Alabama. Johnny was injured during birth and sustained a head injury, which at 7 months old developed into hydrocephalus. The hydrocephalus caused damage to Johnny’s optic nerves, and before he was a year old, he was declared legally blind.

Johnny attended the School for the Deaf and Blind in Great Falls, Montana, through fifth grade, then was mainstreamed into public school in Great Falls in sixth grade. He attended Junior High and High School in Bozeman, Montana, and graduated in 1976. He graduated with honors and was elected class speaker for the graduation ceremony. He spoke about the friendships he had made with students and teachers, and told the audience, “There is one friend I wish you all knew, Jesus Christ!” The students gave him a standing ovation.

Johnny then attended college at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he received a degree in English.

Johnny loved music and loved to sing. He learned to play the guitar, and during his time in college, he recorded an album at a studio in Nebraska. This album, “He Put a New Song in My Mouth,” became very popular in the Christian community and is still requested today.

In 1986, Johnny was walking to a grocery store several blocks from his apartment. He had recently graduated from the University of Montana, had extensive training in mobility for the blind, and was crossing with his white cane at a crosswalk. A pickup truck coming from his right in the far lane hit him and knocked him about 60 feet, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

After being in the hospital for several months, Johnny was discharged, but remained in nursing home care for the rest of his life. In 1996, Johnny was moved to the Gallatin Rest Home in Bozeman and lived there until his death in January 2026. Even though he was totally paralyzed and unable to communicate much more than yes or no, Johnny always seemed to be in good spirits and loved to listen to music, laugh with friends and family, and fellowship about his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Johnny is survived by his brothers Bryan and Bruce McCulloch and his sister Beverly Gallagher.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life for Johnny on March 21st at 10:00 AM at the Redeemer Church in Bozeman, Montana. All are welcome.