James Benjamin Fulmer

Born on September 29, 1931, in Newberry, SC, J.B.’s passion for music was fostered all his life. He was a soloist in numerous programs, had a weekly radio program titled “When Song Is Sweet” in high school, and enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard as a Bandsman playing the Baritone Saxophone in the 246th Army Band.

In college he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education while studying voice at Newberry College. He continued his graduate studies in voice and viola at Florida State University before completing his Master of Divinity degree at the Boston University School of Theology in 1964.

He served numerous churches across the South as pastor, educator, choir director, church soloist, and section leader. In addition to his church leadership, J.B. recorded albums of favorite solos and arias from operas and oratorio, performed concerts and recitals, and sang baritone leads as Tonio in Pagliacci and Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with the Merritt Island Opera Company. Additional engagements included supporting roles in Susannah, La Rondine, and Camerata with the Orlando Opera Company.

J.B. further expressed his love of music by investing his time in the piano industry for more than 60 years. He was a member of the Central Florida Camellia Society and the Central Florida Bonsai Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Dinorah Fleitas Farina Fulmer, and is survived by his children Benjamin (Arisa) Fulmer, Matthew (Renee) Fulmer, and Daniel (Kim) Fulmer; his stepchildren Lucretia (Gene) Head, Robert (Jennifer) Farina, Victor (Caron) Farina, Michael (Dawn) Farina; 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, on February 27th at 11 a.m.