James M. Fultz Jr. showed a candid sense of humor when he spoke of his role as the husband of a prominent Richmond physician.

The Midlothian resident told the Free Press in a 2008 Personality feature that being a physician’s husband means “picking up dinner, eating alone in the evening and waiting in the emergency room after leaving a social function.”

Mr. Fultz spoke to the newspaper after his election as the first male president of the National Medication Association Auxiliary in the 72-year history of the national organization of doctors’ spouses dedicated to supporting the physicians’ goals and mission.

The NMA represents more than 30,000 African-American physicians across the United States, with the goal of advancing the science of medicine for people of African descent, including elimination of health disparities.

Mr. Fultz’s wife, Dr. Lornel G. Tompkins, a pulmonary and critical care physician in Richmond for 32 years, said her husband was instrumental in getting other male spouses of female physicians to join the Auxiliary.

He was “a very kind, gentle spirit who was always willing to help anyone in need,” Dr. Tompkins said. “He was just a wonderful person, well-liked by everyone. He was the love of my life.”

Mr. Fultz, who wore numerous other hats in the community, is being remembered following his death Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, in Richmond. He was 66.

His life was celebrated Wednesday at his funeral at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on North Side.

Born Feb. 1, 1949, in Richmond, Mr. Fultz attended Richmond Public Schools, then earned an associate degree in architectural engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University. Professionally, Mr. Fultz worked for 39 years as an engineering design draftsman with the Virginia Department of Transportation before he retired in 2010.

He met his wife of 20 years at his uncle’s wedding in 1990. The two were married five years later. They traveled the world together and were active members at St. Philip’s, where Mr. Fultz served as an usher.

Mr. Fultz also loved playing and officiating sports. Beginning in the mid-1960s, he played catcher and outfielder for about 20 years with the Richmond Blue Sox sandlot team.

He also officiated high school basketball games in the Richmond area for 38 years and volleyball for 10 years.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Fultz is survived by three sisters, Dr. Doris Fultz, Vernell Fultz and Jacquelin Henderson, and numerous other family members and friends.