James V. Fulmer Jr.

Rhinebeck - James V. Fulmer Jr., "Jim", 81, passed away with his loving wife Bonnie by his side on October 6, 2025 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
James Victor Fulmer, Jr. was born on August 9th, 1944 in Paterson, NJ, to James Victor Fulmer, Sr. and Vivian DeNeane Fulmer.
Jim moved to Poughkeepsie, NY, at the age of 6, residing at the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie. He graduated with the class of 1962 from F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, NY, where he was a standout athlete, playing several years of varsity football and basketball. After graduation, he started racing motorcycles, sponsored by Ed's Service. He raced at tracks such as Laconia and Syracuse, and continued racing for a number of years.
Upon graduation with his associate's degree from Dutchess Community College, Jim joined the US Navy in 1965 and rose to Petty Officer Second Class as an Aviation Ordnanceman. He served in that capacity with a Naval Air Squadron based in Virginia. Attack Squadron 35 was dispatched on two tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVA-65), operating for months at a time in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War, including the Tet Offensive. For his service, he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
After leaving the Navy, Jim resumed his college education at Marist College, while working in the pressroom at Western Publishing. In 1974, he was accepted into the New York State Police Training Academy, undergoing a demanding 26-week program for new troopers, including rigorous physical fitness training and academic coursework. His Navy ordnance training prepared him for advanced bomb tech training at the FBI Bomb School in Huntsville, AL, qualifying him to provide protection for Presidents Bush and Clinton, as well as dignitaries such as Margaret Thatcher, Yitzhak Shamir, Mikhail Gorbachev, and many celebrities. He served as a Trooper until his retirement in 2001, having worked as a Patrol Officer and then a K9 handler and bomb tech. He worked with highly trained German Shepherds and Bloodhounds, including his beloved Baker, performing duties such as explosive and narcotics detection, tracking, and handler protection. His K9 partners became part of his family. Jim retired in March 2001, but after Sept 11th, 2001, he was called back by the Governor's Office and served another four years as a Special Trooper, guarding the Ashokan Reservoir and Stewart Airport, among other posts.
On August 2nd, 1981, Jim married the love of his life, Bonnie Odell, a bond that thrived for 44 years. Together, they built a home in Rhinebeck and a life full of friends and community connections. Jim could be found at Bread Alone with his buddies on Sunday mornings, out at Monday night dinner with friends, attending Provincial Night at the Italian Center, and meeting with the Association of Former New York State Troopers at Foster's. He was a friend to the fire house in Rhinebeck, a member of the American Legion, and a regular sight on his Triumph motorcycle. More recently, he could be found providing comic relief and kitten cuddling to foster kittens he and Bonnie welcomed into their home on the way to finding their forever families.
Jim died just after midnight on October 6, 2025, following a hospital stay due to a COVID-19 infection complicated by underlying health conditions. The family gives our thanks to the care team, especially the dedicated nursing staff, of the medical/surgical unit and the ICU at the Northern Dutchess Hospital for their compassionate care in Jim's final days.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Janice Helen Fulmer. He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Odell Fulmer, brothers Jeff Fulmer (Margot Fulmer) and Pete Fulmer (Sue Fulmer), as well as his nieces Jess Holzer (Tom Goldenberg) and Casey Fulmer (Hannah Sistrunk) and their children, and numerous cousins in New Jersey.
Calling Hours will be held at Dapson Chestney Funeral Home on Monday October 13 from 2pm-5pm.
Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday October 14 at 11am. Burial with Navy and American Legion Honors will follow services at the Rhinebeck Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to the following organizations that shaped and brought meaning to his life:
Children's Home of Poughkeepsie 10 Childrens Way, Poughkeepsie, NY or visit chpoughkeepsie.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/80650/Default.aspx
American Legion Post 429 - PO Box 429, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Dutchess County SPCA - 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538 or visit secure.everyaction.com/MwcXxEvJdEqgpJv0lofR5A2.
To send an online condolence, please visit www.dapsonchestney.com