JAMES M. FORDHAM
Feb. 23, 1914-June 13, 2006
James Marion Fordham, 92, of 3112 E. Ash St., died Tuesday at his home.
Mr. Fordham was born in Lenoir County on February 23,1914, to the late Stephen Lewis Fordham and Eula Mae Smith Fordham. He was married in 1951 to the late Esther Brunen Fordham.
Mr. Fordham settled in Goldsboro in 1935 and started several businesses in Wayne County, including restaurants, dry cleaners and real estate.
An instrument-rated licensed pilot, he began flying in 1937 and became known as "Ace" because of his expert skills.
He was active in Downtown Goldsboro and was a member of the Downtown Developmental Association and the Goldsboro Kiwanis Club. He helped get the Farmers Market downtown and was instrumental in the development of the House of Fordham. He was the co-founder of Wayne Country Day School and had served on its board for many years.
Mr. Fordham is survived by his children, Jeff Fordham, and his wife, Sue T. Fordham, of Goldsboro; Vicki Foster and her husband, Greg Foster, of Goldsboro; and Gary Fordham of Goldsboro; and seven grandchildren.
Another daughter, Terry Lynn Fordham, preceded him in death.
A private service for Mr. Fordham will be held at Merrimon United Methodist Church at the coast and will be followed by a memorial and scattering of his remains at the riverside.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 until 7 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, N.C., 27834.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on June 14, 2006 1:59 PM