James (Jimmy) C. Fuller, a true pioneer in the lighting industry, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2003 at the age of 82. For more than 50 years he had a long, successful, fulfilling and productive career in the lighting and theatre business, and was honored last October at LDI2002 with the 2002 Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. This tribute was quite special, as Jimmy Fuller and Wally Russell has been close friends for many years.
James Fuller was known as a man of impeccable character, an entrepreneur, and a gentleman who had given back to the industry much more than he had taken out. He was president of the IATSE Toronto chapter, Local 58, for almost 40 years; and for almost 30 years chief electrician of the O'Keefe Center in Toronto. During this period he also found time to run Canadian Staging Projects, the premier stage lighting and sound rental company of Canada. Jimmy had a close business relationship with Wally, but more importantly, they were close friends for many years. This is a man whose handshake was the equivalent of a 10-page contract, say his friends and colleagues.
James Fuller is survived by his wife Eleanor, several children, and numerous grandchildren. A funeral service was held on Monday, May 26 and a large Memorial Service will be held Monday, June 9th at 7PM at Hummingbird (O'Keefe) Centre in Toronto. If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.