Jim R. Fuqua

Jim R. Fuqua, 84, of Melbourne, FL passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026. He was a native of Eden, NC, and is a 1960 graduate of Morehead High School. He received an athletic scholarship to play football for Duke University. Following graduation from Duke University in 1964 with a degree in chemistry, he was accepted and enrolled in the University of North Carolina Dental School where he graduated in 1964 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After graduation from dental school, he served as a captain in the United States Army Dental Corp for two years. He returned to Eden after completing his military service where he practiced general dentistry for 15 years before enrolling at Boston University for advanced training and certification in orthodontics. Upon earning his certification in orthodontics, he practiced in Saudi Arabia for 10 years and then returned to the United States to complete his career with the Indian Health Service in Albuquerque, NM.

Dr. Fuqua was a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann Young Fuqua, sons Michael (Kristi) and Mark, and five grandchildren: Sarah Fuqua Orr (Gilbert), Jason, Eric, Zachary, and Joshua.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alton G. Fuqua, Thelma Terry Fuqua and his brother, Glenn D. Fuqua.