Obituary of James W. Fortney

James W. Fortney, age 86 years, died suddenly on March 23 at his home in Pitman, NJ. Born in Grant Town, WV, he graduated from Fairview High School in 1955 and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He spent time at Itazuke Air Base in Japan and was especially proud of being an Electrician and completely rewiring a B50 Cockpit. After his honorable discharge in 1959, he went to work for J.G McCrory (retail chain) which led to moving his family 7 times in 15 years. He settled in Pitman in 1972, while working for W. T. Grants. After their closure, he went to work for Cole National Corporation as their East Coast Regional Manager and was with them for 16 years. In 1992, he and his wife Margaret bought Ricky's Hallmark Store in Glassboro, and Alicia's Hallmark Store in Pitman and operated them until their retirement in 2005. Jim did not really retire at that time, he continued to work for the Kelley Funeral Home for another 18 years, and could still be seen helping out any time he was needed. He was a founding member of the Pitman Garden Club and had served as their president for over 10 years. He belonged to the American Legion Post #49, Pitman Republican Executive Committee, and Highland Chemical Engine Company. In 2009, Jim and his wife Margaret were honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Pitman Chamber of Commerce for their decades of volunteering. They were also instrumental in starting "Pitman's Christmas in the Park and Santa House" and Jim was still setting up and taking down those decoration for this past Christmas season. In 2023, he was honored as the Pitman 4th of July Parade Grand Marshall and insisted on walking the entire parade route along with his great grandchildren, instead of riding in the car. A fixture in Pitman, he could be seen watering plants on Broadway, attending borough council meetings, working in the park at Christmas and in the Jackpot Stand at Highland Carnival, and helping with the July 4th and Christmas parades. Predeceased by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart in 2022, Margaret Jane. Survived by his children; Patti and Ray Kelley, Merri and Barry Owen, and James W. Fortney II and his wife Patti. And more importantly, survived by his precious grandchildren; Ryan (Sarah), Schuyler (Megan), Matthew (Missy), LeeAnn (Kyle), Alicia (Ethan), Justin and Meredith, and much-loved great grandchildren; Jane, Anna, Isaac, Jack, Lincoln, Catalina, Luke, Harper, and Teddy. Also survived by many nieces and nephews that were especially dear to him. Friends may call on Thursday, March 28 from 6 to 8 PM in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ and on Friday from 10 to 11AM. Funeral service at 11AM. Interment Gloucester County Veteran's Cemetery, Williamstown, NJ. Those desiring may make contributions to Pitman Christmas Party for Kids, P.O. Box 93, Pitman, NJ 08071 or Highland Engine Co., 119 East Woodland Ave, Pitman, NJ 08071.