Dr. James R. Tulloss, known affectionately as "Jim," was born on January 14, 1952, in Utica, Ohio, to Helen and Max Edgar Tulloss. After Max's passing, Helen later married Otto Teele of Utica, whom Jim lovingly referred to as the father "sent from God."

Jim graduated from Utica High School and briefly attended The Ohio State University before joining the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Though he did not serve overseas, he faced the realities of war while working as a medic in the psychiatric ward treating POWs, and later in the Orthopedic Trauma Unit at Lackland Air Force Base.

A gifted athlete, Jim excelled in nearly every sport he attempted. He received college scholarship offers and still holds track records at his high school. Though he could easily have pursued a professional athletic career, Jim dreamed from a young age of becoming a doctor. In a childhood newspaper interview, nine-year-old Jim confidently declared that he wanted to be "a gynecologist."

While serving in the Air Force at age 19, Jim survived a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg, an experience that revealed his true calling. Watching surgeons skillfully treat wounded soldiers deeply inspired him. As soon as he recovered enough to walk, he requested a transfer to Orthopedics, and from that point forward he devoted his life, as he often said, to "working with God's hands to help heal others."

After completing his military service, Jim followed his commanding officer, an orthopedic surgeon, to Mobile, Alabama, where he worked as his assistant and cast technician while attending the University of South Alabama in pre-medicine. He was later accepted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, where he also completed his General Surgery and Orthopedic Residency training.

During his final year of residency, Jim met the love of his life, Deborah. The love Jim and Debbie shared was unmistakable and deeply felt by everyone who knew them. Jim was never shy about expressing how much he adored his wife. Together they raised a close and loving family of six children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After residency, Jim pursued his dream of having a small-town medical practice and moved to Covington County, Alabama, where he became the only orthopedic physician within a 90-mile radius. His dedication to his patients was unwavering, though the demands were immense. Missing his family in Ohio, he eventually accepted a position with Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio, and later co-founded the Marion Independent Physicians Association.

He was widely respected not only for his surgical skill, but for his warm, hometown bedside manner. Jim treated every patient with dignity and compassion, whether a janitor or senator, they all sat as equals in his waiting room. He was often the last to leave the office each evening, proud to have given personal attention to every person in his care.

As he began to consider retirement, Jim was invited to continue practicing at Morrow County Hospital, closer to his home at Candlewood Lake. What was meant to be a short commitment grew into more than six fulfilling years of service. Even then, stepping away from practice was difficult as caring for others had never been just a job, but a calling.

His friends and family experienced the same kindness, strength, and generosity he was known for professionally. His children knew him as a loving and committed father. His ability to add humor to everything made the worst days seem better. His extended family and wide circle of friends also looked to him as a patriarch and caretaker. He was always the first to step in when someone needed help, and he was strong-willed enough to make sure whatever the problem was, it was going to be solved!

Following retirement, Jim moved to Lakeland, Florida, to be closer to family and enjoy the sunshine and an active life. In time, he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, a journey he faced with courage and grace, still wanting to help others even when he no longer recognized them. Jim passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 28, 2025.

Jim will be remembered for his sharp mind, steady hands, generous spirit, infectious laugh, and deep love for his family, patients, colleagues, and community. His light lives on in every life he touched. He will be forever loved, remembered, and profoundly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Deborah; Children: Andrea (Jarrod) Conley, Christopher (Lyndsay) Tulloss, Shannon Tulloss Amrine, Lauren (Caleb) Leach, Erin (Dwight) Lambert. His youngest son, James R. Tulloss Jr. (Jessica), preceded him in death in 2021

Grandchildren: Brannon (Colleen)Tulloss, Destinee(Preston) Nagel, Brayden Somerlot, Jacob Amrine, Ethan (Gabby) Amrine, Andrew Amrine, Addison Tulloss, Zoey Tulloss, Erica (Nolan) Jurden, Wyatt Conley, Rhett Conley, Noah Leach, Evan Leach, Thomas Chelewski, and Dash Lambert; and great-grandchildren: Lillian Tulloss, Finnegan Nagel, Daphne Nagel, and Cora Conley.

Jim is also survived by his sister Sheryl (Bill) French and nephew Bryan French.

The funeral services will be held at Brucker-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica, Ohio on Saturday, January 24th. Calling hours 11:00-1:00 with Service at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jams for Jim. Venmo: Scott Cameron @scottycamdog13 or Cash App: Scott Cameron $jamsforjim.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.