James Steven Fulks Ph.D

James Steven Fulks, PH.D.

 Dr. J. Steven Fulks, devoted father, gifted teacher, better than average spouse, unbiased soccer referee, and unofficial God`s gift to women, expired recently out of warranty. He was (69) years old.Dr. Fulks taught at the College and University level for more than (33) years at Utah State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Bowling Green State University, and at Barton College in Wilson, NC.

While at Barton he established and directed the Gerontology Program, and several as the Dean of both the School of Behavioral Sciences and later the School of Allied Health and Sport Studies. In 2004 he established the on-going Barton College Caregiver Education Conference with Joe Russell, MD, Dementia Alliance, and the Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging. Teaching is part of his family tradition, with Aunt Evelyn Francis, ED.D., his mother Eva Lee Fulks, and brother Dan Fulks, PH.D. all teaching more than 30 years.Dr. Fulks taught literally hundreds of students who are now a part of his legacy – including alumni who served the older population as Long-term Care Ombudsmen, State Medical Surveyors (Abigail Walton), Directors of Memory Care residences, the Education Director of Alzheimer`s, NC, and a host of other aging related programs and services. Several of his students went on to teach Gerontology at the College and University level (Lindsay Toth, Ph.D.; Kelly O`Sullivan – soon to be Ph.D.).

Former students include Amanda Maynard ( soon to be Ph.D.), the current Co-Coordinator of the Barton College Aging Studies program, Jennifer High, the Director of the Barton College Health Center, and Abigail Harper, Medical Long-term Care Surveyor for Indiana. Gentiva Hospice, which served Dr. Fulks and his family, includes Leyta Bullock – one of his alumni. He loved challenging minds and as conservatives would say – corrupting the youth of our country in the classroom.Dr. Fulks loved the game of soccer, and served it as a referee for more than 25 years. He took pride in bringing new referees to the game, and was awarded the John Knox Disguised Service Award in 2018 by the North Carolina State Referee Association. He officiated everything from Rec to College soccer, and found great joy in officiating with his son Evan.

Dr. Fulks was a committed Unitarian Universalist – having joined the denomination in 1972 in his hometown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Dr. Fulks prized education – earning first his undergraduate degree with University Honors in Philosophy and Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University, his Masters in Gerontology at North Texas State University, and his doctorate at the University of Georgia where he worked on the Georgia Centenarian Study, He loved the mountains – especially the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway in his Miata, and pizza – specifically Big Ed`s in his hometown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He enjoyed his morning Dr. Pepper and his afternoon IPA.Dr.

Fulks enjoyed bicycling in his early adult years on his Peugeot – and met Bonnie LoSchiavo – his wife of 38+ years while cycling in 1984. Ms. LoSchiavo – is perhaps best known for her awesome choice of an incredible husband. Being married to Steven for that many years qualifies her for sainthood in most of the major religions of the world. Together they raised two outstanding sons – Arthur Ellis Charest-Fulks (and wife Kristin), and James Evan Fulks ( and partner Kara). Dr. Fulks found great joy in raising his sons and watching them mature. During his life he resided in Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Utah, Ohio and North Carolina, Adventures and great memories at every stop.

Dr. Fulks loved his Mazda Miatas – of which he owned two – his favorite clocking well over 335,000 miles. His primary companion for most of these miles was his partner in crime – loyal companion and best friend Tucker the wunderdawg. They loved driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, US 129 the Dragon, and their adventures from the ocean to the mountains. They were essentially inseparable be it at Barton College, home, or their favorite pub. Now that he is dead someone else will finally get to drive the car.

Dr. Fulks was preceded in death by his father, Charles Fulks, Sr. ( 1908 – 1961), his mother, Eva Lee Fulks ( 1910 – 1981), his inspiration, British philosopher Bertrand Russell ( 1872 – 1970) and musician Jerry Garcia ( 1942 – 1995). He was also preceded in death by his brother Reverend David Fulks ( 1943 – 2018), brother and fellow Unitarian Charles Fulks, Jr. ( 1941 – 2020) and Tucker the Wunderdawg, also an Unitarian ( 2008 – 2003). He enjoyed life, but remained disappointed he was never even nominated to be the Pope.

He is survived by his wonderful wife, two sons, his role model and big brother Dr. Dan Fulks of Lancaster, KY, and the countless former students he taught over his career.

He chose music by Blind Faith ( can`t find my way home), Green Day ( Whatsername), the Grateful Dead ( Friend of the Devil), Foo Fighters ( Times Like These), Jimi Hendrix ( Angel) and Monty Python ( always look on the bright side of life) to be played at a private memorial attended by family and close friends.

Donations in his memory may be sent to your local Planned Parenthood Office, the North Carolina Chapter of ALS, or the Islamic Center of Wilson, NC.

Following the harvesting of his organs, Dr. Fulks was cremated, with his ashes spread in Rockwood, TN, and rumored to include the Blue Ridge Parkway and Barton College. He hopes the positive side of his life ledger will outweigh the negative, so that if there is indeed an afterlife, he will be able to once again enjoy pizza, cheesecake, chocolate and finally be free of Republicans. He looks forward to sharing a pint or two with God.

Arrangements entrusted to Shingleton Funeral Home 2413 Nash Street NW Wilson, NC 27896. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.shingletonfh.com

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