James “Jim” P. Fultz, 64, of Junction City, died Nov. 8, 2015 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Manhattan. Jim was born Feb. 3, 1951 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, the son of James R. and Loretta (Graham) Fultz. Jim graduated from Junction City High School in 1968.
Jim joined the U.S. Marines in March 1969 and served until March 1973, achieving the rank of Sgt. and earned several service awards.
Jim was the inventor of the “WaterBlade”, a waterless, soapless shaver, which was patented in 1985. The blade never went into production because the production company wanted to outsource production overseas. Jim refused the offer, because he wanted production to be in the United States.
Jim worked several occupations after the military. He worked as a brewmaster for Kikkoman Foods; was a rural mail carrier; and later worked in construction, first as a laborer, carpenter, supervisor, and moved up to quality control manager, and finally was project manager for J&J Worldwide Services.
Jim lived life to the fullest; he had a compassionate love for music, horseshoe throwing, trap shooting, hunting, fishing; the outdoors in general. He loved to feed the birds and squirrels. He was member of the Earl C. Gormley Post #45 of the American Legion, having served as Past Commander; Eagles Lodge; and the N.R.A.
Jim married the love of his life, Cathie Glessner on April 2, 1994 in Junction City. Cathie survives of the home. Other survivors include: their daughter and miracle baby, Keely A. Fultz, Junction City; 3 sisters, Joan Roman and husband Carlos, Paula Fultz, all of Junction City, and Virginia Baum and husband Howard, Brandon, Florida; 2 nephews, Eric Holley and Brandon Baum; a niece, Leslie Van Patten; and his K-9 Companion, Blazer, his Boxer. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, James Glen Baum.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, Junction City. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Junction City. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Marine Honor Guard at the cemetery. The family will greet friends, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Earl C. Gormley, Post #45 of the American Legion, or Friends of Animals, sent in care Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington, Junction City, KS 66441.