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Jim Fudoli Obituary
Jim Fudoli, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15th, at his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas. A funeral service will be held at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 20th with Reverend Kenneth Taglauer officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Fellowship Hall of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Jim was born on December 5, 1941, in Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Velma and Jim Fudoli, Sr. The family moved to Litchfield, Illinois, where Jim graduated high school and received all state honors in athletics. Following high school he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed on as a pitcher and played four years.
On February 16, 1963, Jim married Cynthia Hauser from Litchfield. He attended Eastern Illinois University in Mattoon, Illinois and finished his last season in baseball.
After the birth of their son Jimmy III, the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Jim worked at Smith Barney Brokerage House. After vacationing in Theodosia, Missouri for several years, they moved down to Bull Shoals Lake, where Jim began working as a fishing guide. He soon joined the professional fishing circuit including B.A.S.S. Jim was fortunate to become friends with Forrest and Nina Wood traveling to tournaments with them and becoming an early representative for Ranger Boats in the tournaments.
After moving to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1975, Jim devoted much of his time to baseball programs from Little League to American Legion. Jim found great joy in working with the players and helping them discover and develop their talents.
He also enjoyed duck hunting with friends in Batchtown, Illinois and Brinkley, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his son, Jimmy III and his wife, Loretta and their son, Brock of Conway, AR and his sister, Rosemary, (Dr. D. Ross) Billiter of
Litchfield, IL.
Jim felt truly blessed everyday of his life to have a loving family and loyal friends.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Fudoli
Meredith (Dithy) Dodge
October 16, 2015
Dear Cynthia,
How saddened I am to learn of Jim's death, though it's good to know you and Jim Jr. are doing well. I hope you remember me from those long-ago days on Bennington Lane, when I used to babysit Jimmy. You are very much in my prayers. Love Meredith (Dithy) Dodge 12 Redondo Court, Santa Fe, NM 87508 [email protected]
Nancy Bray Baller
February 28, 2015
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was well liked in school.My prayers are with his family.
February 27, 2015
To the family, may you be comforted during this difficult time of sorrow and pain.
Dcn. Jeffrey Speight
February 26, 2015
Cynthia and Jimmy,
Words cannot describe how I feel at this time. I was just thinking about Jim, Sr. on my way to work this morning--just out of the blue! My Mother, Janet, told me he had passed last week. I would have come to the funeral had I known about it. I have such fond memories of my conversations with him talking about stocks, music, fishing, etc. I don't know if I have this totally correct or not, but it seems my dad and Jim had a few things in common: made a record in the early 60s and both went to Eastern Illinois within a few years of one another. I pray that you and your family are comforted by the Spirit in your time of mourning. You all are in my prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him O, Lord.
February 24, 2015
Dearest Cynthia, Jim & Family:
I share your tears and fondest memories of the time we were together in Theodosia, Missouri. From Willhoit's cafe to Bull Shoals Lake, fireworks, and fishing contests, it was the grandest of times. We were all so blessed to become family friends that lasted a life time. Jim became a legend among baseball players,bass fishermen,radio audiences, and sports fans of all kinds. He exhibited good sportsman like conduct in every venue. We were all proud to call him "our friend". To Cynthia and little Jimmy, I offer my love and support now and always.
Sherryl Willhoit & Family
Ed Wernsing
February 21, 2015
Cynthia, Jim would come over to Zion playground where we played Indian ball in the summer. He was my hero in high school as he was a true sports star and nice guy. I also heard that he coached one of the best VFW baseball teams in the US. Great to hear that he shared his knowledge with teenagers. May God rest his soul and you and Jimmy III keep the faith.
Carla (Harbert) Ankrom
February 20, 2015
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Haven't seen him in years but remember him well. He was the type of person one remembers.
Judy Culberson
February 20, 2015
May God be with you at this difficult time.
Gary Williams
February 19, 2015
Jim and Cynthia I am so sorry to here about Jim .I have such found memories of Jim and my time at Mnt Home .my prayers and thoughts are with your family. Gary Williams
Steve Rogers
February 19, 2015
Jim was the man I wanted to be like in High School. He was friendly and confident. I knew he was special and he was a role model for me and a lot of the other shy types and nerds. He had a positive impact on a lot of people during his short life. He will be missed.
Steve McBrain
February 19, 2015
Jim was the fiercest competitor I ever played with or against. When I learned that he was on the professional fishing circuit I said a little prayer for all the fish everywhere. Rest in peace, rest in peace.
Melissa Belote
February 19, 2015
Jimmy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
The McClain Family
February 19, 2015
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Mike and Kim Roller
February 19, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We had wonderful times with Jim and Cynthia traveling all over the area to fish bass tournaments. Just heard of this news today and we will be there tomorrow. May God surround your family with love and comfort at this time.
February 19, 2015
Jim was a fantastic baseball coach and had a big influence on me, he was a great man.
Dave Self
Bruce and Donna Throne
February 19, 2015
With deepest sympathy.
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Feb
20
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home600 Hospital Dr PO Box 346, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Feb
20
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home600 Hospital Dr PO Box 346, Mountain Home, AR 72653
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