James A. Fortner, Jr., 71, of Pasadena, MD, died at Mandrin Chesapeake Hospice House on April 1, 2010 due to cancer.

James was born to his parents, James Andrew Fortner, Sr. and Dorothy Eleise (Sellier) Fortner on Oct. 3, 1938 in Biloxi, MS. Raised in Pascagoula, MS, Mr. Fortner also resided in St. Louis, MO, Oxnard, CA, St. Petersburg and Fort Walton Beach, FL, Pasadena, MD, Iran, and Ireland, before permanently residing in Pasadena in 1981.

Mr. Fortner graduated from Mississippi State University in 1960 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was employed by Westinghouse for 35 years, but retired with Northrop Grumman. James enjoyed spending time with his family and sailing on his sailboat, "The Wind Runner". He, too, enjoyed training for and participating in marathons.

Mr. Fortner is survived by his wife, Marian Sue Fortner (nee: Rolls); his sons, James Emmitt Fortner "JEF" (Bonnie L.) of Severna Park and Michael Sean Fortner of Pasadena; his brother, Leo Frank Fortner of Mississippi; his sister, Brenda Sue Fortner Perlman of Georgia; and his grandchildren, Jamie Lee Fortner and Joshua James Fortner of Severna Park. In addition, Mr. Fortner is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 4:00. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anne Arundel Medical Center or Hospice of the Chesapeake.