People Places & Racing News

Jim Fortner Passes Away

By SEMA Editors

Jim Fortner, 72, passed away at his home in Brenham, Texas, on the evening of December 4, 2014. He was born June 15, 1942, in Ovid, New York, and was the oldest of five children.

Following high school graduation in 1961, he served in the Army National Guard and began a successful career in sales and marketing in the high-performance and automotive aftermarket parts industry. He worked for companies, such as Performance Parts Warehouse, Mr. Gasket, Malory Ignition, Crane Cams and Keystone Automotive Warehouse in Exeter, Pennsylvania.

Fortner also owned an automotive parts store, Village Auto Equipment, for a few years in Lewiston, New York. In 1987, he married Betty Comiskey Fortner in Burton, Texas. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. A funeral mass will be celebrated December 18, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Marks Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fortner's memory may be made to True Blue Animal Rescue, Brenham, TX 77833, Catholic Charities, or the charity of your choice.