James Neil Kulpan's Obituary
James Neil Kulpan, 84, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Sevierville, TN following
complications from hip surgery after a fall at his home. Kulpan grew up in Norfolk, VA, graduated from Granby High School, then attended Duke University on an athletic scholarship. After a four year stint in the Air Force as a parachuting intelligence officer, Kulpan returned to Duke and completed his two year graduate program in hospital administration.
In 1963 Kulpan became administrator of Waterman Memorial Hospital (now Florida Hospital
Waterman) in Eustis, which at that time was a small, struggling community hospital. He enlisted local civic and business leaders to become involved in the facility and together they formed Waterman Memorial Hospital Association, Inc. a fund raising arm of the hospital. He also brought in experienced managers to head departments, recruited physicians and developed
a team of professionals who brought the hospital to its first Joint Commission accreditation.
The tall, lanky 6’ 6” redhead was a beloved leader always mixing humor and wit with work.
He brought many new management principles and practices to the workplace, teaching his
staff to "work smarter, not harder". Some of his favorite sayings were "find the indispensable man, then fire him" and "a good manager surrounds himself/herself with good people". A long time employee once said that everyone should have an opportunity, at least once in their lifetime, to work with a boss like Jim Kulpan.
Waterman flourished under his leadership with the first hospital-based ambulance service, a
mental health unit, improved employee benefits and modern, up-to-date patient care services. This he accomplished while keeping operating costs under control and improving employee
morale.
Jim left Waterman in 1978 to become administrator of Sevier County Medical Center in
Sevierville, TN, close to his favorite get-away, the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
Upon retirement, he and his wife Loretta built their dream home atop a mountain in Wear's
Valley close to another favorite spot Cade's Cove.
In addition to his wife Loretta, Kulpan is survived by 5 daughters; Linda & Ronnie Prevatt of Eustis; Betsy & Jon Noiles of Eustis; Jessie Kulpan of Eustis; Amy & Lee Munizzi of Lake Mary, Jenny & Kenny Boyd of Eustis. His grandchildren; Penny, Jory; Matt, Alexis; Melissa, Shaun; Eric; Olivia, Jon; Jordon, Kelly; Justin, Leigha; Carey; Patrick and 5 great-grandchildren; Taylor, Dezden, Brylee, Raylan and Elijah.
At Jim's request, a private family service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Robert F. Thomas Foundation, P.O. Box 4395, Sevierville, TN 37864, Sevier County Animal Shelter, 959 Gnatty Branch Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876 or Friends of the Smokies, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764, in memory of Jim. . You may share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting hamlinhilbish.com. Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors 326 E. Orange Avenue, Eustis. 352-357-4193.
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