Jim Fortenberry

Jim Weldon Fortenberry of Whitney went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 4, 2009. He was born in Pampa, Texas on Feb. 13, 1932 to Frederick Joseph Fortenberry and Allie Rose McDaniel Fortenberry. Following graduation from Central High School in Oklahoma City, he attended Oklahoma University. Jim and his wife, Helen, were founding members of White Bluff Chapel in Whitney. Jim married Helen Anne Payne on August 2, 1953 in the First Methodist Church in Lubbock. In 1987 Jim co-founded Fortenberry Insurance Agency with Helen, and served as CEO. Jim provided service to the commercial transportation insurance industry from 1965. His hobby, in which he was particularly talented, was rebuilding classic autos. Preceding him in death were his parents, and wife, Helen, on Jan. 27, 2007. He is survived by his three children, Steve and wife, Karen Fortenberry of Hewitt, Kathleen Brown and husband, Paul of Washington D.C., Diane Smith and husband, Monte of Tyler; grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Anne, Kyle, Joshua, Lauren, Zachary, Samuel and great grandchild, Ashton. Jim was beloved by a host of loving friends and extended family members, including Mike & Bonnie Richmond, Tommy & Laverne Carr, Jamie & Merle Barnes, Greg & Connie Taylor, Jean Cudd, Joe & Audrey McEntire, David Patterson, Tom & Kay Payne, Phyllis Morris, Wilburn Morris, Joe & Hope Nelson, Lynn and Ronnie Brunson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bozarth and Frances Clewein.