James "Jim" Lyle Fuhrman, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, engineer and avid model railroader of Garden Grove, CA, passed away unexpectedly on March 4th, 2021. It appeared he had overcome a bout with Covid 19 in February and Jim seemed energetic and in good spirits. However, the virus exacerbated old issues with his heart, causing a sudden heart attack.

Jim was born in 1940 in Hannibal, Missouri to N. Pauline (Puddin') Fuhrman and Lester H. Fuhrman. When Jim was 3 and 1/2-years-old, his family welcomed his sister C.J. into their household. Later, his parents built their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Jim went to elementary school and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. In high school Jim was able to experiment with science by creating rockets and chemical reactions. He spent one summer taking a car apart and putting it back together again to see how everything worked.

He followed in his father's footsteps and earned both his Bachelor's and Master's in Engineering from the University of Iowa. Professors were astounded by his intelligence and some would give him their exams first to see if they themselves had made any errors. He enjoyed running programs on the campus' 30-foot-long computer. He was also delighted that he and some friends made the local news when they created a light-hearted, oversized snow sculpture on campus.

Jim was proud to have served in the US Army, working aboard the USNS Corpus Christi Bay in Boung Tau Harbor, Vietnam in 1967. He worked on vital radio repairs and communications, trained as a Marksman (M-14), and received several medals for his service in Vietnam, including a National Defense Service Medal.

His work in the field of engineering allowed him to have adventures and taste delicious foods all over the United States and internationally. He appreciated the opportunities he had to travel to places like Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Australia. His career included work with Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, General Electric in Chicago, Illinois, Rockwell International in Newport Beach, California, and Frame Relay Technology in Costa Mesa, California. During his lengthy career, his contributions to the industry resulted in creating 7 telecommunications patents, developing frame relay technology, as well as marketing numerous products and services.

In 1970, Jim met his wife, Molly Ellen Moes, on her 21st birthday in February. They got married that July and celebrated 46 years together until Molly passed away in 2016. They raised their family of 5, Sandra (married to David), Rebecca (married to Walid), Robert, Jennifer, and Angela, in Glen Elyn, Illinois, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Orange County, California. He was a proud grandfather to (oldest to youngest) Winnie, Matthew, Ryan, Grace, Jack, and Macy and a proud great-grandfather to 3 year-old Theo, and baby Josephine (whom Jim has now joined in heaven).

In 1978, Molly gave Jim a model train set for Christmas, which reinvigorated his childhood love for trains. Soon after, he joined a model railroading club in Iowa, Then in California Jim was Orange County Module Railroader's second member back in the early 1980s. He loved the fellowship shared amongst club members at the many special events they offered throughout Southern CA. He formed many treasured friendships over the years. Jim was known for his articles on "kitbashing," his clinics on detailing, and his advice as the club's "encyclopedia" on model railroading. Many club members would take part in weekly online group chat sessions, sometimes called "Jim's Sunday Funnies." He was also pleased that he had created a Radius Gauge that helped lay down track more easily.

Jim had a one-of-a-kind personality, with his Missouri accent, his long beard, his breadth of knowledge and his enthusiasm for science, trains, and life. There was always a method to his madness and it was up to his friends and family to catch up to his train of thought. Jim will be remembered for his storytelling, his unique sense of humor, his genius, and for being a family man who was proud of the legacy that he and Molly started with their children. His big family would gather often and he came to feel comforted in all the noise, activity and chaos. He could relax and take a nap in the middle of it all. We will try to imagine him there in that seat with us, cozy with his arms crossed and pretending he was just "resting his eyes," as we wish him a peaceful, heavenly rest forevermore.

Our family has been encouraged by the kindness, support, and many memories shared with us by family and friends. Jim will be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, his 5 children, 6 grandchildren, great-grandchild, cousins and his many friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the USO or your favorite veterans' organization.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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