[ShabahZ280]

Last Saturday, April 19th, the world lost one of the most important people associated with the Mariah name. Jimmy Fulks, the creator, the man behind the Mariah brand died unexpectedly at the age of 59 in his Florida home.

I hate to keep secrets from everyone, so I'll let you in on a few things.

First off, out of respect for the family, I waited to break the news until after the burial ceremony and after I received word from his family that it was OK to publish.

Secondly, I had been communicating with Jimmy personally for the last two weeks of his life. I received an email one day regarding some content on the site and how a few things should be corrected. Jimmy had actually been a member on the site! He was amazed that there was such a strong following for his boats, despite the many years that had passed. He told me this on many occasions. He appreciated all the kind words, expressed his approval, and wished all the members of the club his best wishes.

Jimmy emailed some very valuable information to me, including a very touching autobiography, hundreds of personal photos, newspaper articles, business documents, five dvd videos, and many other pieces of inside information which I will begin to share shortly.

In the few weeks I had known Jimmy, I will tell you he was the most caring, devoted and dedicated person I've ever met. Even though I never had a chance to meet him personally, he made me feel like I had been friends with him for years. He was that great of a person. While it's extremely sad, it's also very comforting to know during his last weeks, he was able to see how much he meant to our community, and to know that his hard work and dedication is appreciated by so many people. He will truly be missed.

On behalf of the club, Ryan and I sent a floral arrangement, which you will see pictured at the bottom. His obituary is also included. If there is a charity established in Jimmy's name, I will pass that information along for those who wish to donate.

I remain in contact with his son Rance, who was the Executive Vice President of Mariah Boats Inc., and he has offered to help in whatever way he can. So if you have any questions you'd like answered, get them to me and I will pass them on. However, please be understanding of the circumstances. These are hard times for the family.

Jimmy J. Fulks
March 1, 1949 - April 19, 2008

[dwmax]

That is really sad news, my heart goes out to his family and I am sure that everyone else on the forum feels the same way. That is a great loss to the family and to the boating community aswell.

[bdbyrnes]

Chris - that is a beautiful floral arrangement.

Thanks for sharing the sad news. Few people in the world have an opportunity to leave behind a legacy (other than their children) and I hope his family has peace knowing that he built and incredible company and a product that brings joy to mahy to this day.

[Mariah Z276]

He touched everyone on this board lives through his work with Mariah boats. He will be missed. This is truly sad news indeed.

[mikeyt]

Very sad news and only 59 yrs old. We will have to 'retire' his member name.

[Z210Shabah]

We all(and I'm sure I speak for everyone on the forum)extend our deepest sympothy's to the Fulks family.Jimmys legacy will be his family and friends first,followed by the beautiful creations of the Mariah.Rest in peace my friend.....LJ

[180diablo]

Wow. Thank you for informing us about the loss of Mr. Fulks Chris.

My condolences go out to the Fulks family and the many boating friends that Jimmy leaves behind. He has left a wonderful legacy of an amazing and dependable boat product that has forever changed boating to what it is today.

This thread should be renamed as a memorial and stickified.


R.I.P Jimmy - Now you are free to drop the hammer on your boats in the sky!

[Z 202]

That is very sad news indeed. Condolences to all who were close to him.

I'm sure he was impressed with the efforts of our Admins, as we all should be, for creating a place where Mr Fulks legacy can be immortalized.

[moondance100]

My condolences to the family. I really wish we could have known more about the guy. Passed at the early age of 59 and he covered so much ground. He had to have launched Mariah in his mid 30's; can you imagine such an undertaking? It would take vision, lots of courage and no small amount of salemanship.

Chris, I'm just curious...what was his username? Did he ever post?

[Paul Z]

Sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was only five day older than I am. Owning a Mariah and being a member of this site has made me feel like a "special" boat owner. I doubt that many boat owners know the history of their boat, the man and the company that started "Mariah". I really respect individuals like Jimmy who have the foresight, intelligence and "intestinal fortitude" to develope something like he did. Sorry he will no longer be with us. Paul