James David Fullilove

James David “Jim” Fullilove, 61, died Saturday, April 11, at his home in Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Cheryl Ann Fullilove. Jim is survived by sister Susan Whitehead, of Roslindale, MA; brother Mike Fullilove and sister-in-law Carol, of Long Beach, MS; brother Bob Fullilove and sister-in-law Kate, of Austin, TX; brother Ed Dombrowski, of San Antonio, TX; sister Aimee Wendrock and brother-in-law Mark, of Bossier City, LA; and sixteen nephews and nieces. Jim was born in West Point, New York, on May 17, 1953, to Dorothy Irene (Raynham) Fullilove and William Charles Fullilove, both native Mississippians. He grew up in various locations including Virginia, Hawaii, Alabama, Ohio, and California. He graduated from Foothill High School in Sacramento, CA, and attended American River College before moving to Austin, TX, where Jim met his wife-to-be in 1976. Jim resettled in Gulfport in 1977 and was married in 1978. Over the years Jim attended Lighthouse Fellowship, New Beginnings Family Church, and Gulf Coast Community Church. Jim was an artist, who made his living as a professional sign painter and muralist. His work is visible up and down the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. As an amateur genealogist of the Fullilove family, Jim made friends throughout the country and “across the Pond.” Jim’s father, Bill Fullilove, was born in Kosciusko, as were his aunt Mary Elizabeth McMillan and uncle Clarence “Khaki” McMillan, former editor of the Star-Herald. His paternal grandparents were Charles Barton Fullilove and Bessie Noah Fullilove. Jim’s avid interest in the genealogy of the Fullilove family led him to spend many hours in Kosciusko and Attala County, where he made friends at the library and among the men who meet for breakfast on the Square. Family and friends visitation will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home at 15452 O'Neal Road, Gulfport, MS 39503, Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. A graveside service and interment will follow at Coalville Cemetery in Woolmarket. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com