Obituary: James Robert “Rabbit” Fulghum
James Robert “Rabbit” Fulghum, 87, of Snow Hill, NC, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on December 28, 1938, in Rock Ridge, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Raiford and Betty Mae Fulghum.
A proud graduate of Rock Ridge High School and Atlantic Christian College, James was a gifted athlete, excelling in both basketball and baseball. His quickness on and off the court earned him the nickname “Rabbit,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life.
After earning his degree from ACC, James began a lifelong career in education and athletics. He first taught history and coached at North Edgecombe High School, where he led the boys’ basketball team to a state championship in 1963. The following year, he moved to Greene County, where he made an enduring impact at Greene Central High School. Over the years, he coached girls’ basketball and softball, as well as boys’ basketball and baseball. He also served as the school’s Athletic Director for 38 years.
It was in Snow Hill that Rabbit cemented his legacy. Under his leadership, the Greene Central Rams won five state baseball championships. He also founded the first American Legion baseball team in Greene County, further expanding opportunities for young athletes in the region. Widely respected across eastern North Carolina, he was honored with numerous accolades and was inducted into the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2007.
Beyond the field and classroom, James was a man of deep faith. He taught the adult Sunday School class at Free Union Original Free Will Baptist Church in Walstonburg, NC, for many years; a class that was later named in his honor. In every area of his life, James Fulghum was a servant leader.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Janette Winborne Fulghum; his son, James “Jabo” David Fulghum (Lori); his daughter, Jackie Music (Les); four grandchildren, Brynn (Laddie), Colton, Macon, and Kaelyn; and three great-grandchildren, Arlo, Jonah, and Nolan.
He is also survived by his siblings: Raiford (Connie), Gerald (Linda), Grady, David (Elaine), Larry, and sister Louise. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy Fulghum, and his parents, Raiford and Betty Mae Fulghum
The family would like to express special thanks to his caregivers and dear friends, as well as the compassionate staff of ECU Health Hospice, whose kindness and support have meant so much.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 14th, at the James R. Fulghum Athletic Complex Baseball Field with the Reverend Kelley Smart officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. The interment will be held privately at the Snow Hill Cemetery.
Coach Fulghum will lie in repose at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service on Thursday and Friday from 8
AM – 4 PM each day.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Free Union Original Free Will Baptist Church, 2573 Firetower Road, Walstonburg, NC 27888 and/or Greene Central Athletics, 140 School Drive, Snow Hill, NC 28580, in honor of James Fulghum’s enduring commitment to community and youth.
