Jerome Robert "J.R." Fulton

Jerome Robert Fulton (J.R.) peacefully left his earthly body at the age of 85 on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, to claim his promised spot in Jesus heavenly home. He was born to Harry and Marian (Hill) Fulton on August 28, 1938, making him the fourth generation of Fulton's born in Vicksburg, Ml. He assumed the role of pesky brother to his older sister, Clelie Fulton (Bergner) who survives.

J.R. loved Vicksburg and its community of people. It truly was his "Center of the Universe, M. Munn." He could never talk about or even imagine living, worshiping, working, or rearing his beloved sons anywhere else.

After graduating from VHS in 1956 he did a couple years of working odd jobs, before starting and graduating from WMU in 1962 with a BBA. During his early years he worked for his Uncle Rovelle Simmons, selling cars to finance his college expenses for five years. After graduating, in 1968 he purchased the American Motors Dealership(Ramblers) on W. Prairie Street. His years of selling cars were filled with many pleasures, one of which was winning a trip to Portugal and Spain for himself and wife Nancy. He was a very young dealership owner and he enjoyed being mentored by Rovelle Simmons, Kenny Krum, and other older dealers. Until he was called home, he loved running into past customers who had bought a Rambler (his opinion “their best car ever”).

In 1968, he got the call to be a Real Estate Broker. He began working with & for W.C. (Bill) Heehler in the building on West Prairie Street (now Gilbert & Ivy Bookstore). Eventually he purchased the real estate franchise, Century 21 American Dream. In 1992 he pioneered in this area the concept of selling for a flat fee, rather than a percentage, to better serve his clients, naming his new brokerage, "No-Frills Realty". Once again, keeping his Broker's License current until his death, he never tired of hearing past customers who thanked him for helping and encouraging them to buy one of their best and largest assets of their entire lives. He practiced his own belief in the value of real estate, purchasing several properties, homes and business rentals. J.R. always assisted family members with their purchases. He would give advice to complete strangers if they asked…and would follow up until it was completed.

All at no charge...you only had to ask. Rare traits today.

J.R. was a man's man of resolve and tenacity. Once he said to his wife, “Nancy, I have to be careful when saying YES to any new projects.” It was important to J.R. to do a good job and stick with it until finished. In some cases he outlasted the commitment…they quit him!  Some examples of this kind of tenacity:            '

        62 years as a Vicksburg United Methodist Member

        62 years as a Vicksburg Rotarian (perfect attendance)

        55 years as Broker of real estate

        50 years of being a landlord

        49 years in the same home

        45 years of Monday night poker

        40 year member Realtor Form Committee

        30 years of being a Bridge Club Partner ·

        18 years as Showboat Treasurer

        18 years as a VHS Strive Mentor

        10 years as a car salesman

 ….. many, many,many short-term stints on committee

His God given spiritual gift was exhortation, equipping others for actions and rewards. A common refrain heard by Nancy and his two sons..."Did you know that J.R. helped me to get to where I am today?" (No, we didn't). Maybe you were one of those recipients: a book, an article, advice, invite to a seminar, an unexpected gift of something that pertained to your business, passions, or life. Always searching out a newcomer, who may need help in a new business endeavor.  J.R. lived his faith by quiet example: caring, forgiving, encouraging, and loving.

Survived by his wife, Nancy Fulton(Mayo), Sons John Fulton (Michelle) and Matthew Fulton; sister Clelie Bergner, brother-in-law Ronald Mayo (Sue). Preceded in death by parents Harry & Maria)' n Fulton; in-laws, D. L.& Pauline Mayo; brother-in-law, Jack Bergner, plus many cousins, aunts &uncles.

The visitation will be at Vicksburg United Methodist Church 217 S. Main St, Vicksburg on Friday, December 8th from 1:00-2:00pm followed by Funeral Service at 2:00 pm.

Please visit www.amsfuneralhomes.com where you can read J.R’s complete obituary, sign his guestbook and/or share a memory with his family. Memorials can be made to Vicksburg United Methodist Church or Vicksburg Rotary Strive.

The Fulton family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.