Jim Fults

Colonel Jim Fults, United States Air Force (Retired) passed away at home April 27, 2023, in Niceville, Florida.

A native of Grundy County, Tennessee, Jim was born in Beersheba Springs in 1931 to James (Jim) and Willie Fults. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Winona and Faye.

He attended school in Grundy County, where he was voted best all-around student, president of his senior class, and captain of the football team and was an active member of the basketball team. Graduating in 1950, he was awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he played four years and competed with the University’s track team.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Scissom, in 1953. For 69 years, Elsie was the love of his life and partner in travels. Together they shared the  love of family and the wonders of nature that surrounded their home. The Louisville Cardinal couple that visited daily reflected the commitment between Jim and Elsie.

Jim was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1954, and went on to serve our great country for 29 years, retiring as a Colonel at Hurlburt Air Force Base, Florida. He flew ten different aircraft, logged 3500 hours of flying time, was stationed at ten different air bases, including The Air Force Academy and the Pentagon. During his year in Vietnam, he flew over 100 missions in the OV-10 to provide close tactical air support for the unit’s ground troops in enemy contact. He flew over 300 combat sorties. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and Air Force Commendation.

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Jim’s educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisville, a Masters Degree from Troy State University, along with many officer training courses including Air War College and Armed Forces Industrial College.

After retiring from the Air Force, Jim worked in real estate under Wilson Minger Century 21 in Niceville for 29 years, where he excelled as a top producer matching many with their forever homes. 

Dedicated to God and community, Jim served selflessly with the Kiwanis, serving one year as president, and was very active in the Niceville Methodist Church for many years, and a member of the Shalimar Methodist Church in more recent years.

Jim is survived by his wife Elsie, their son Bruce (Sherrie), daughter Cindy McIntyre  (Marc), grandchildren Chase Fults (Chloe), Tyler Fults (Katie), Jason Schweizer (Margaret), and Jarrod Schweizer, great-grandchildren Cecelia Fults, Samuel Fults Wyatt Schweizer, and Finley Schweizer, and a wondrous number of friends both near and far.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Build Fund of Crosspoint Church. 

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