Arthur J. Furtney Jr.

Arthur James Furtney, Jr. (88) received his heavenly orders on October 5th, 2025, after enjoying a glorious, sun-filled day of fishing on his boat. Art's family would like to express their sincerest thanks to his beloved fishing buddy, Brad Hall, Captain Mickey Patel and the US Coast Guard. Their bravery gives our family an immense sense of peace.

Service Details

Visitation: Friday, October 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Art would be very aware that this might interfere with Friday night football, so if you are going to a game after, please wear your football attire. Art loved his Friday evenings spent cheering on the Jacksonville High School Cardinals, and it would give his family great joy to greet everyone in their school colors.

Funeral Service: Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Infant of Prague Catholic Church. A committal will follow the service at the church Columbarium with full military honors.

Reception: Saturday, October 11, at approximately 12:30 pm, after the funeral service, at the Infant of Prague Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, we know that Art Furtney would prefer donations to his beloved Infant of Prague Catholic School. Many members of our family attended Catholic School, and he believed in and supported our local school. Honestly, doing anything to support our local youth in his honor, with your time or funds, would be a beautiful tribute to him.

Art was born on January 22, 1937, to the late Arthur J. Furtney and Joan Zeller Furtney, in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his son, Arthur James Furtney III (Jimmy), his brother Joseph, and his sisters Barbara and Hilde.

Art is survived by the love of his life for nearly 42 years, Pam; his sons Scott (Rhonda) and Bryan (Stephen), and his daughter Jennifer. He was "Papa Art" to his grandsons Clark and Ryan, his granddaughters Brianne and Avery Ellenor, and his great-grandson, Bentley, whom he was able to watch play baseball just a few days before his passing. He also leaves behind a host of "grandpets" who will miss him sneaking them food under the table. He will be missed by nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

Inspired by the movie "The Sands of Iwo Jima" Art enlisted in the Marine Corps even before his high school graduation. He spent 25 years in service to his country, an honor that he held most dear to his heart. He was a Mustang, rising through the ranks to receive his commission in 1966. Throughout his esteemed military career, Art earned numerous commendations, medals and citations. Two that he was most proud of were the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. While he officially retired at the rank of Major in 1979, he would often say that he would readily agree to reinstate his active duty status in a heartbeat.

Art received his Real Estate license in 1978 and began his second career as a realtor immediately after military retirement, so he could continue helping his beloved Marine Corps family. Over a career that continued until his very last day (yes, he got a listing that morning), the name Art Furtney became synonymous with real estate and with Century 21. He earned countless accolades over the last 47 years. He achieved a national-record number of Centurion awards, and in 1992, he was inducted into Century 21's International Hall of Fame in recognition of his service to both his clients and local community. He was consistently ranked as North Carolina's #1 agent with Century 21, and then when he formed a team, together they remained #1 in the state. Despite his accomplishments, he achieved no greater joy than mentoring and helping his fellow agents succeed as well. He loved the members of his team, their spouses, children and pets; they became his family. He worked under the command of a number of fearless assistants through the years, the last 10 with his beloved friend Marissa. Art's career and his service to his community meant everything to him.

Art Furtney will be remembered for so many things. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. In his eyes, DNA did not define a family. His family included the military men and women that he was blessed to serve with, the families that trusted him to find that perfect home so that they could create memories for a lifetime, and his Infant of Prague Catholic Church family, where he was an active member for many years. Perhaps most cherished was his Century 21 Champion family. They were his people, and even while battling cancer, all he wanted was to get back to them. He loved walking around the office, checking in with everyone, telling stories that usually involved getting into mischief with Pam, and asking about their families. His Champion "babies" were priceless in his eyes, no matter how old.

Art embraced life to its fullest, maintaining a lifelong commitment to red meat, doughnuts, Jeff's Burgers, and any other delicious food that Pam disapproved of. He loved dancing to beach music with her, his face lighting up brighter than the sun on the dance floor. He had a black belt in Judo, and he was a tennis champion for the Marine Corps. His love for sports knew no bounds, including his support for youth sports including Babe Ruth baseball and Cardinal football throughout his life.

His sense of humor was legendary. He'd make you jump with a well-timed car horn honk or flick your nose after telling you something was on your shirt. He loved making people laugh, whether it was making faces at kids in church or handing out Ring Pops against their parents' wishes. He loved to talk and listen to people's stories. There was a good chance he'd try to convince you of three things: Join the military, sell real estate for Century 21 Champion, or go fishing with him.

To his family, Art was the greatest of heroes. He approached each day with faith, kindness, humor, and strength. He lived for us and worked to ensure our happiness. Until we meet again, may he rest in the arms of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, we know that Art Furtney would prefer donations to his beloved Infant of Prague Catholic School. Many members of our family attended Catholic School, and he believed in and supported our local school. Honestly, doing anything to support our local youth in his honor, with your time or funds, would be a beautiful tribute to him.

Semper Fi