James Claud Fulbright

James Claud Fulbright, adored husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on February 13, 2022. He is finally reunited with his parents and other members of his extended family who have gone before him.

James, known as Jim, was born in Toluca, North Carolina on December 1, 1940 to Ethel and JZ Fulbright. Jim and his younger brother, Harry, grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Hickory, North Carolina. The brothers share many fond memories of growing their own food on the farm and working with wood in their father’s woodshop. They were also charter members of Temple Baptist Church nearby.

Jim attended college at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and later graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Jim worked through college at a local civil-engineering firm. After graduating, he worked with the North Carolina State Highway Department, then he became the Assistant Public Works Director for the City of High Point. Notably, Jim had the opportunity to design roadways for both Panama and Canada while working with William F. Freeman and Associates in High Point. Later, Jim went on to open his own land surveying and civil engineering firm, James C. Fulbright and Associates from which he formally retired from in 2010.

Jim met his wife, Judith (Judi) Huffman, while on a break from his college career. They were married in April, 1965 in Hickory, NC. Jim and Judi relocated to Raleigh, NC so Jim could complete his degree at NCSU. Later they named High Point, NC as their home and welcomed their daughter, Jillian, into their family in 1978.

Jim was a loving and proud father. He often attended his daughter’s sporting and musical events. She allowed him to be a distant chaperone on trips to out of town games and trips. Jim became a registered Girl Scout so he could support Jillian’s scouting interests. He went on camping trips and became a well-known campfire chef; he was most known for his Dutch oven breakfast biscuits. Jim continued his faithful dedication as a father throughout Jillian’s life and remained one of her biggest supporters through college and as she started a family of her own.

In early 2013, Jim and Judi left their North Carolina home with their three dogs to move to Tallahassee, Florida where Jillian and her family had settled. They moved in time to share in the lives of their two grandsons, Eli and Silas. Jim spent his last years sharing in the lives of his grandsons; offering hugs, life lessons, and woodworking opportunities to their lives. He became lovingly known as Papa and would not hesitate to read a book, build a railroad, or be a soft place for nap for his grandsons. He could even be found offering a hungry grandson a frozen ice cream treat that he kept in the freezer just for them; just like his mom would do for her grandchildren.

Family and friends will remember Jim for his kind acts of service, long talks, walks with his dogs, and his love of gospel music. He was a proud father and Papa and will be missed by so many.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith (Judi) Huffman Fulbright, and his daughter, Jillian Bosarge (Brett) of Tallahassee, FL; his grandsons, Eli (9) and Silas (5) Bosarge; his brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Brenda Fulbright of Conover, NC; nephews, Jason Fulbright of Conover, NC and Alex Fulbright of Newton, NC; niece, Amanda Fulbright Abernethy (Reggie) of Newton, NC.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s honor/name to Big Bend Hospice, Girls Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWoodFuneral.com for the Fulbright family.