Obituary of James Edward Fullerton

CUYAHOGA FALLS - James Edward "Ed" Fullerton passed gently from the bondage of Parkinson's Disease into the freedom of eternal life in Christ on January 29, 2015, with his family at his side.   The Lord blessed Ed with more than 83 years, 62 of those spent together with his bride, Mary Ann, who was God's greatest gift to him. The high school sweethearts were married in the spring of 1953, and departed for Portland, OR, where Ed served as a Staff Sergeant with the 497th Fighter Squadron during the Korean War. After the war, the couple returned to Cuyahoga Falls where they raised 3 sons and Ed resumed what became a 43-year career with the Akron Beacon Journal. Ed cherished many lifelong friends he made on the job and celebrated his last day in top hat and tails. After retiring, Ed became a full time Grandpa, following 6 grandkids from ball field to basketball court to music recital to ballet stage. For two decades, Ed & Mary Ann could be found cheering on their grandkids, treating them to Swenson's, ice cream, or the root beer stand for post-game celebrations. He coached Little League baseball in the 1960s and 70s, and played softball himself for 61 years, becoming a charter member of the Akron Silver League. His dedication to sports included many years officiating OHSAA softball and volleyball, as well as men's softball leagues. He humbly served as a trustee and deacon in local churches and was also a proud 40-year member of Cuyahoga Valley Civitan, serving as treasurer for more than 25 years. Ed's survivors include his beloved wife, Mary Ann; three sons and their wives: John & Mindy, Jim & Teresa, and Jeff & Leanna; grandchildren: Jessica & Paul Staup, JD & Amanda, Samuel & Monica, Jillian, Joel, and Anginette; siblings: Ruth Hetrick, George & Jean Long, Robert & Linda Fullerton and Rhea Fillian. Our family wants to thank the many health care professionals at Western Reserve Hospital, Ed's home health aides, and the countless friends that cared for him over many years.   In lieu of flowers, please seek out an older loved one such as a parent, grandparent, or neighbor in need. Spend some quality time with that person. Take them out for a nice meal or help them with simple household chores that they may not be able to do on their own. Sit and visit with them and listen, really listen to their stories. Ed spent his life "paying it forward" and our family hopes that everyone could experience this rewarding, unselfish act that our busy lives may sometimes not allow.   Pastor Chris McCombs will conduct funeral service Sunday, 4 PM at Redmon Funeral Home where friends may call Saturday from 2 to 4 PM and Sunday 2 PM until service time. Private burial Oakwood Cemetery.