James W. Fulcher, age 82, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died at home March 12, 2024.  He was born June 11, 1941 in Danville, IL to James & Edna Fulcher.

Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps after he graduated from Danville High School. After his service in the Marines, Jim graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in English, and immediately married his high school sweetheart, Shirley True. While teaching at Southport (Indiana) High School, he also completed his Master's degree from Indiana State University. After receiving his Ph.d from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, he began teaching at Lincoln College (Lincoln, IL), where he taught for 37 years. Jim taught English, American and English Literature, and Philosophy courses; served numerous terms as English Department Chair; and served as Humanities Department Chair for 15 years.

Jim was a long-time Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 109 in Lincoln. He also served multiple terms as Church Council President at St. John's United Church of Christ in Lincoln before he and his wife, Shirley, moved to the Chicago-land area to be near their son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons.

He also was a member of St. Mathew's United Church of Christ in Wheaton, IL.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Fulcher; his children Jim (Annette) Fulcher & Beth (Kurt) Goff; his grandsons Zach & Kyle; his sister Mary Ellen Hooks; his niece Carol Hooks.

Services and interment will be private at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Southern Poverty Law Center .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.