Under the loving care of God and the protection of St. Joseph, James “Jim” Fuller was gently called home to the Lord just days shy of his 79th birthday. He entered eternal peace after a life marked by faith, service, love, and laughter.
Jim was a Vietnam combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving with courage and distinction. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, honors that reflected his bravery and sacrifice. Though proud of his service, Jim carried it with humility and quiet strength.
He was the funniest person in any room, a gifted storyteller with perfect timing and an unmatched ability to turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. He had a way with his words and life lessons, an infectious smile and laugh that we will always cherish.
He had exceptional taste in music, a lifelong love for the Chicago Cubs, a special place in his heart for Christmas and was one of Santa’s favorite helpers for many years.
He is survived by his youngest daughter, Maureen, and his two grandchildren that he adored. He treasured his friendships deeply, especially ‘The Guys’. Their lifelong friendships has brought Jim laughter, healing, love, and inside jokes that will go down in history.
Though Jim has laid down his tools and can’t tell us anymore stories, his love remains, steady and enduring, in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Jim’s honor.
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, on Thursday, January 29, 9:15 AM to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3140 Meramec St, St. Louis, MO 63118, for 10:00 Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel on Wednesday, 4 – 8:00 PM
Jim was a great guy and friend. We worked together on a number of church & parish hall projects at StA and I always enjoyed his talents, company, comments & stories. He was indeed a humble and devoted person who would always help out.
I lived at St. Anthony Friary (St. Louis, MO) from 2016 to 2024 and was fortunate enough to get to know Jim, his sense of humor, his devotion to the church building and the parish community, his many stories and wonderful sense of humor and plain good sense. We talked many hours and shared many things. I honor his craftmanship, his work ethic, his insights into life, his direct honesty, his willingness to share about things I simply knew nothing about, his welcoming demeanor, his kindness and his pride in his work. I am grateful to have known him and commend him to the reward of eternal life with all the saints who have gone before us. Peace and every good, Mr. Fuller!
Jim was a great guy but he sucked at basketball ! 🏀
The Shrine of St. Joseph lost the best Santa Claus and joke teller there ever was. He was man of great kindness and generosity; Jim left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Knowing that he is no longer in pain, gives me solace. Rest now, soldier. Your duty is done. You are remembered. You are honored. You are finally at peace.
Jim will long be remembered as the greatest Santa Claus by all the children, young and old alike. At the Shrine of St. Joseph where he volunteered for a number of years, he played Santa flawlessly at Christmas. He was an extraordinarily talented individual who was perfect at entertaining others with his stories, but always with a high degree of humility. He was so enjoyable to be around and had the ability to keep a person totally amused. Jim was a true Viet Nam war hero who was nearly always able to keep smiling. He will be missed.
There was no one in my life like Jim. Although we went our separate ways as life went on, we spent many hours together growing up as Magdalen boys. Jim was spontaneous. He could make any situation unique. Everyone who ever met Jim has a “Fuller story”. I have so many I can’t recall but a small percentage of them-but every one of them was Jim to the fullest.
I remember taking him to the train station when he left for the Navy and picking him up on weekends from the airport when he was stationed in the Great Lakes. His Navy stories as a Corpsman were classic ‘Jim’. When I left for college I would receive ‘packages’ from the Naval base. Lord only knows the things he sent.
Vietnam changed Jim’s life in so many ways- yet he found ways to survive-often in pain. I wish I understood that more clearly at the time.
I am blessed to have been a friend of Jim Fuller. I hope he felt the same.
We at the Shrine of St. Joseph lost a good friend and a true American hero. Jim will surely be missed; I wonder if he will play Santa in Heaven?
Rest in peace, Jim.
Jim was a dear friend to my dad, working together at both St. Anthony and St. Joseph Shrine. We were lucky to share in the Christmas magic Jim brought to the Shrine every year. He would get little bits of information from my dad about the kids and really wow them when they visited Santa. For years they felt sorry for anyone having to see Santa at the mall when they got to see the “Real Santa” at church. Thanks to Jim, they believed in the magic for a few extra years. What a gift to be able to give. God bless you Jim and we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
I have known Jim for many years through working as a contractor at St. Anthony’s and later going to lunch with him and Randy. He always had great stories to tell that would make you laugh. He was jealous of me when he found out I was in the Coast Guard. Even though a Marine he had a little bit of CG in his heart. Rest in peace and pain free you will be missed.