James Matthews Fultz, Jr.

James Matthews Fultz, Jr., 66, of Midlothian, was surrounded by loved ones November 4, 2015, when he walked home, arm-in-arm with God through the pearly gates of heaven. He was born February 1, 1949 in Richmond, Virginia to the late James Matthews Fultz, Sr. and Gertrude Gwendolyn Day Fultz. Devotion to his family and a firm belief in God supported him throughout his life, and ultimately gave him sweet peace. James, “Jimmy” as he was affectionately known by his family, was reared in a loving household with a large extended family. Jimmy received his formal education in the Richmond Public Schools. He furthered his education at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, earning an Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering. He met his love, Lornel in 1990 at his uncle’s wedding. September 2, 1995 he kept his promise of marrying the dream of his life, a doctor with whom he would travel the world and see its many wonders. James was a wonderful family man and a great provider who dearly loved his wife. A very kind and gentle spirit, James put others before himself. He was always ready to assist and was the one “willing to go along with the program”. James accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and united with St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church where he served as an usher at the 8 am service. After 39 years of dedicated service to the Virginia Department of Transportation as an Engineering Design Draftsman, James retired in October 2010. At his leisure, he enjoyed traveling, reading history, watching National Geographic, Animal Planet, and officiating. He devoted 38 years of his life as a high school basketball official. He extended his referee avocation to include high school volleyball, which he officiated for 10 years. James served as the first male president of the Auxiliary to the National Medical Association. He also was a member of the Virginia local and state auxiliaries. He was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Graves. James leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Lornel G. Tompkins, MD; three caring sisters, Dr. Doris Fultz, Vernell Fultz and Jacquelin Henderson (Gregory); aunt, Mae R. Jones; adored mother-in-law, Laura Tompkins; two brothers-in-law, William Tompkins, Jr. (Dana) and Brett Tompkins (Gabriela), sister-in-law, Lisa Tompkins-Brown (Gabriel); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A precious one from us is gone, a voice we loved is still A place is vacant in our hearts that never can be filled.

Tributes

James Matthews Fultz, Jr.

February 1, 1949 - November 4, 2015