James Gary Fulkerson

     James “Gary” Fulkerson of Hagerman, died August 31, 2019 at Ashley Manor in Jerome from dementia.

     Gary was born in Puxico, Missouri on November 1, 1936 to Thomas Hampton and A. Marie (Hickman) Fulkerson – the oldest of three boys.

     During his childhood the family moved a lot, but always returned to Puxico.  Gary graduated from Puxico High in 1955 as class valedictorian.  In 1957 Gary’s family moved to Riverside, California.

     Gary meet Alberta Sage in Shaffer, California.  They married August 1, 1958. They had a daughter – Sharon.  They divorced in 1985.

     He worked in the family service station until he graduated from Cal-Poly Pomona in 1964 with honors.

     In 1964 Gary started his first teaching job at Ganesha High in Pomona where he taught Math, P.E. and was a basketball coach.  In 1978 his basketball team won the CIF 3A State Championship and Gary was named Coach of the Year.

     In 1980 Gary, Bert and Sharon moved do Shoshone, Idaho where they bought the McFall Hotel.  Gary taught Math and Science for two years in Shoshone.  In 1983 Gary moved to Riverside, California and taught Math at Irvine High in Irvine, California.

     He retired after 33 years of teaching in 1999, after which he cared for his mom until her death in 2006.  In 2006 Gary moved to Hagerman to be closer to his daughter.

     Gary was preceded in death by: his grandparents; parents; son-in-law – Gary Leach; two nephews and one niece.

     Gary is survived by: his daughter – Sharon (Stephen) Dick of Hagerman; brothers – Tom (Shelly) Fulkerson of Edgewood, Washington, Mike (Debbie) Fulkerson of Riverside, California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Gary’s family would like to thank Mel and her staff at Ashley Manor in Jerome; the staff of Encompass Hospice; nurse – Pam for your compassionate and loving care of my father at the end of his time with us.

     There will be no services as per Gary’s request.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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