Jimmie Harold Fulkerson

Jimmie Harold "Jim" Fulkerson, 83, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Friday, September 13, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Bloomfield, Missouri, Jim was a 1959 graduate of Bloomfield High School and earned a basketball scholarship to Arkansas College in Batesville. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas College, presently Lyon College, in 1963 and entered the United States Marine Corps in September of 1963.  Jim served 5 years and 3 months in the Marines and was a Vietnam veteran, serving 1965-1966 in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. While serving as a Second Lieutenant and Platoon commander, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for valor for his actions.

Jim was involved in highway construction with White River Materials in Batesville and Atlas Asphalt of Jonesboro for 55 years.  He moved with his family from Batesville to Jonesboro in 1976 and was a member of First Methodist Church of Jonesboro where he served as a member of the staff/parish committee and the administrative board.  Jim also served on the boards of Heritage Bank of Jonesboro and St. Bernard's Village.

In 2012, Jim was elected president of 1/7 Marine Reunion organization and also began volunteering at the Craighead County Veterans Office, assisting fellow veterans. He was a passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and avid supporter of the area high schools' sports programs particularly the Jonesboro Hurricane golf and dance teams where his children and grandchildren were active. Jim supported St. Jude's Children’s Hospital and the Helping Neighbors Food Pantry. He enjoyed Jonesboro Country Club (JCC) golf outings, NCAA Basketball, Arkansas Razorback sports, traveling and reading.

Jim delighted in watching his granddaughters perform on their golf, dance and cheer teams.  He enjoyed a “lively” game of boure' at the Jonesboro Country Club (JCC).  Jim, aka “the Czar”, was well known for debating to the point of arguing and then arguing to the point of surrender.  He was a born leader and always in charge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Willadene Cook Fulkerson.  Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Paula Melton Fulkerson, married December 18, 1966;  One daughter, Leigh Anne Fulkerson of New Orleans;  One son and daughter-in-law, William Brian and Amy Fulkerson of Jonesboro;  One sister, Hilda Vannatta of St. Charles, Missouri;  One brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Sonnie Fulkerson of Cape Girardeau, Missouri;  Two granddaughters, Mya Lee Fulkerson and Bobbi Marie Fulkerson;  Two brothers-in-law, Charles (Linda) Melton and Ron Melton; Six neices and two nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Riceland Hall in the Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro, with Rev. John Miles officiating. Private burial with military Honors will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation.  All are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering at 1:00 p.m. at the Jonesboro Country Club.

Active pallbearers include Mark Lamberth, Mike Shetron, Lee Brun, Mike Tedder, Ray Fulkerson, Ron Melton, Charles Melton and James Herd. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1st Battalion/7th Marines group, Employees and staff of Atlas Asphalt and White River Materials, and the JCC Men's Card Room Group.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 17284, Jonesboro, AR 72403, or Helping Neighbors Food Pantry, 501 W. Highland Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401.

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