James Fortner

James Murray Fortner, 72, passed away at his home in Brenham, Texas on the evening of December 4, 2014. Jim was born on June 15, 1942 in Ovid, New York to James C. Fortner and Bernice H. Fortner. He was the oldest of five children. He graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in Buffalo, NY in 1961. Following graduation he served in the Army National Guard and began his successful career in sales and marketing in the High Performance and After Market Automotive Parts industry. He worked for Performance Parts Warehouse, Mr. Gasket, Malory Ignition, Crane Cams, and Keystone Automotive Warehouse in Exeter, PA. He also owned an automotive parts store, Village Auto Equipment, for a few years in Lewiston, NY. While living in Lewiston, he was President of the Lewiston Business Association, served on the Parish Council, and was President of the Home School Association. In 1987, Jim married Betty Comiskey Fortner in Burton, Texas. They lived in Camp Hill, Moosic, and Hummelstown, PA before retiring to Brenham, TX in 2006. Throughout his life he maintained an interest in hunting, fishing, NHRA drag racing, NASCAR, Buffalo Bills football, and Buffalo Sabers hockey. He enjoyed travel to warmer climates such as the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands. He was the happiest when surrounded by family and friends…especially his grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers William and Robert. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his sister Christine Wilklow of Rochester, NY; his brother Dennis Fortner and wife Kim of Amherst, NY; his sister-in-law Suzanne Fortner of Benicia, CA; his daughter Michelle Capizzi and husband Sam of Kenmore, NY; his son Marc Fortner and wife Kelly of Buffalo, NY; step-son Robert Holmes of London, England; step-son Todd Holmes of New Paltz, NY; grandchildren Max, Ben and Sammy Capizzi and Charlie, Paige, and Lucy Fortner; step-grandsons Robert and Riley Holmes; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, TX. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., December 18, 2014 at St. Marks Catholic Church in Buffalo, NY. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim''s memory may be made to True Blue Animal Rescue, Brenham TX 77833, Catholic Charities, or the charity of your choice.