Jimmy Lee (Jim) Fuller, age 84, of Rockwall, TX, passed away at his home on Friday, July 10, 2020. He was born January 17, 1936, to Lee Roy Fuller and Audrey (Strickland) Fuller. Jim and his family were longtime residents of Rockwall for 45 years.
Jim was born in Dallas, TX, and grew up in Oak Cliff. He attended Sunset High School and graduated in 1954. He continued his education at the University of North Texas where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance. Jim served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Personnel Specialist stationed at Boca Chica Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. Prior to his assignment to Key West, Jim attended U. S. Navy Officer Training at Newport, Rhode Island.
Jim was employed as a Regional Sales Manager at Kustom Electronics for over 42 years. He worked with both local and state police agencies to provide training for radar and in-car video equipment. During his professional career, Jim made many friends in the law enforcement community. He retired from Kustom Electronics in 2011 and focused his retirement on spending quality time with his family and friends.
Jim was a natural leader. He was extremely determined, responsible, organized, and full of life. He was an avid golfer and loved watching sports. He enjoyed playing cards and board games. Most importantly, Jim was passionate about supporting his family. He devoted most of his time to coaching and being involved in his children’s activities. He coached many recreational sports teams for both his children. He was affectionately known as “Coach” to many local kids involved in the Rockwall YMCA and city sports leagues. After he retired and Jim’s children grew up, he even continued coaching his grandchildren’s sports teams.
Jim was considered the rock of his family. He is lovingly referred to as his family’s #1 Super Fan. He was the person always sitting literally on the front row of their daily lives cheering, supporting, and guiding them. Jim never took a backseat as a husband, father, or grandfather.
Jim was instrumental in hiring the first full-time minister in 1976 at the Rockwall Church of Christ on Fannin Street in downtown Rockwall. The church was experiencing rapid growth and was needing to find property for a bigger and more modern building. In his role as Head of the Building Committee, Jim was active in securing property on Interstate 30 for the construction of a new home for the Rockwall Church of Christ. In addition, he served as a Deacon, Bible class teacher, and active member of the church for many years. One of his most popular classes was a series about the presence of angels in our daily lives.
Jim will be deeply missed as he was loved by many. He was extremely close to his extended family and many friends. It was no secret that his family was his pride and joy. He took his role as husband, father, and grandfather to a level beyond expectation. He was committed to helping his wife, children and grandchildren achieve their goals and being 100 percent engaged in their lives whether it be education, sports, or giving good solid advice.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carol (Burleson) Fuller; daughter, Kathryn Fuller Potts; son, John Fuller; and 4 grandchildren: John Brennan (JB), Michael, Andrew, and Caroline Potts. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roy & Audrey Fuller.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date so that extended family and friends can safely gather to celebrate his life and legacy. A private family gathering will be held for an inurnment service at a graveside next to his parents at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Oak Cliff.
If desired, friends and family may make memorial contributions to the Food Pantry for Rockwall Helping Hands, 401 West Rusk Street. Suite 200, Rockwall, TX 75087.