January 1, 2025, 88, Goldsboro —
James Ellison Fultz, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. Jim was born on November 5, 1936 in Fort Pierce, Florida and was raised in Washington State by his parents, the late James Clarence Fultz and Margaret Cook Fultz. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Carolyn Shock and Marion Hughes; son, James Marvin Fultz; and granddaughter, Lindsey Nichole Gilhart.
Following his graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he proudly served his country for 6 years. He then reenlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country for 14 years and during the Vietnam War.
After his military career, Jim became a child protective services social worker with the Department of Social Services in Wayne County. His work with children made a difference to so many in Wayne County before his retirement in 1997.
A devoted Christian, Jim’s primary goal in life was to maintain a close relationship with his Lord. He lived his faith openly, worshiped regularly at Pleasant Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church where he was a member, Sunday school teacher, trustee, deacon (serving 3 terms), assistant Sunday school superintendent, and a faithful prayer partner. Jim shared his faith regularly through thought, word, and deed.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many. He was always willing to be of help to those in need.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025 in the fellowship hall of Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church. A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Barry Stallings officiating. Interment will follow in Pikeville Cemetery with full military honors.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lida Howell Fultz; his biological daughter, Rose Fultz Gilhart and husband, Eric; grandsons, Dylan Gilhart and Austin Gilhart; and daughter-in-law, Rosie Fultz. He is also survived by three other daughters, Marcy Henn and husband, Jaye, Maile Shirley and husband, Burney, and Deana Garrou and husband, Tom; son, Cliff Greenup and wife, Rhonda; granddaughters, Lelia Henn Miller and husband, Dale, Megan Henn Spencer and husband, Tony, Addie Shirley Lewis and husband, Jaleek, and Joyanna Greenup; grandsons, Kaden Shirley and fiancée, Abigail Lancaster, Zachary Garrou, Joshua Greenup, Grant Garrou, Jaxson Greenup, and Saul Perez; great-grandchildren, Abbie Miller, Caleb Miller, Bethany Miller and Ezra Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church, P.O. Box 36, Pikeville, NC 27863 or to the Northern Wayne Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 184, Pikeville, NC 27863.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
