Jim Millard James Fountain

A lifetime member of the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, “Jim” Millard James Fountain, Jr. passed away February 21, 2021 at 12:45pm. He is the husband of the beautiful Pearl Winner Fountain, and their marriage celebration of 66 years would have been in April. He is the proud Dad of Diane Fountain and the “Pops” of Dr. Meares Green, Scientist Chaz Green (married to Nicole Harrison Green), and Dr. Bliss (Elizabeth) Green Leverette (married Matthew Leverette). Bliss was born being the "Joy of His world". He is also the grandfather of William Fugazy (Dr. Heather) and Alexandra Fugazy and the great-grandfather of Penelope Marie Fugazy and William Alfred Fugazy. He is preceded in death by his dearly loved and missed son, Ricky Fountain. 

Jim is the son of the late Millard and Dorothy. Fountain was born in Wilmington, NC, and graduated from New Hanover High School in 1951. He attained his BS/BA degree in Business Management at UNC-CH in 1955. While at UNC, Jim was Jr. Class President, Head Cheerleader, member of CHI PHI Fraternity, President of the University Club, the Student Body Legislator. He served in the US Air Force from 1956-1962, where he flew Strategic Air Command, was an instructor, navigator, Director of the Officers Club, and the Protocol Officer.

He founded Jim Fountain Realty, with three departmental areas encompassing Commercial, Residential, and Property Management. His involvement with his community has included being President of WRAR in 1976, Chairman of the Multiple Listing Service for 3 years, first chairman and founder of the Commercial and Investment Division of the Board; and Chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, President of Wrightsville Beach PTA, State Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Chairman of the Cerebral Palsy Campaign, Cancer Fund Chairman, Heart Fund Chairman, V.P. Cape Fear Sportsman Club, and the Division Chairman of  the United Way. He was a member of numerous clubs, Chairperson of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the Committee of 100, Elks Club, Wilmington Executive Club, Jaycees, US Propeller Club, Navy League, lifetime Member of the Retired Officer’s Club, and named “BOSS OF THE YEAR” by The American Business Women’s Association twice.

On a State Level, Fountain was Associate Dean of the Realtor’s Institute for 3 years; Dean of the Realtor’s Institute for 2 years; Foundation Director of the NC Real Estate Educational Foundation Realtor’s Institute for 7 years; Foundation V.P. of the NCREEF for 2 years; and Foundation President of NCREEF Realtor’s Institute for 3 years. Fountain served as V.P. and Director of the ECU Business Foundation representing NCREEF and NCAR Grant, with a Professor Seat in Real Estate for 2 years; NCAR Regional V.P. for 1 year; NCAR Executive Committee for 4 years; and NCAR Finance Committee member for 2 years. He was a convention speaker, as well as Traveling College Speaker for NCAR. He served on several committees as chairman of NCAR: Education Committee, NCAR Legislative Committee, NC Convention Committee, and the NCAR Commercial/Industrial Committee. He was the originator, coordinator, lecturer of the Real Estate Course of the Southeastern Community College. On the national level, Jim was a member of NAR, the National Institute, and the Realtors Educational Committee. He was a pioneer in the Real Estate, Development, and Construction business. He built St. James, Plaza East, and Federal Point shopping centers, while anchoring numerous chains and residential developments in New Hanover County.

His love and devotion to his faith saw many years of service at St. Andrews and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Most of all, he loved his beautiful wife, and not a day went by that one would not hear "I Love You Pearl".

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. John's Episcopal Church with The Rev. Eric Moulton, MATS, officiating. Masks will be required and appropriate social distancing followed. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens with Military Honors accorded.

Please leave online condolences at www.andrewsmortuary.com