IONIA, MI -- A man killed in a road rage shootout this week is being remembered by family as a faithful Michigan State Spartans fan who enjoyed exploring Silver Lake Sand Dunes with his Jeep and spending time with his daughter.

Jim Pullum, 43, suffered a fatal gunshot wound around 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Wonder Wand Car Wash, 426 S. Steele St., in Ionia. Police say Pullum drove into the parking lot after being tailgated by 56-year-old Robert Taylor.

Both men exited their vehicles and an argument began, according to Cory McDiarmid, a detective sergeant with the Ionia Department of Public Safety.

Related: Fatal road rage shooting: Man tries to save two dying gunmen

The men fired several shots at each other, both causing fatal injuries, McDiarmid said.

Police still are investigating who fired first and working to determine how the road rage situation began and escalated to the point of gunfire. Autopsy results are pending.

Related: Mother who witnessed fatal road rage shootout says other driver followed car, shot first

An online obituary for Pullum describes him as a “wonderful husband, dad, son and friend to all who knew him.”

“Jim had more patience than anyone that I have ever met,” the notice reads.

Pullum had owned and operated a repair business, Pullum’s Auto Service, since 1997 next to his Ionia home. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and taking trips to Silver Lake Sand Dunes with family and friends.

Pullum cared deeply for his dogs, Cloe and Bubba, and his daughter, Sara, meant the world to him, family say.

Pullum was married to his wife, Teri, for 18 years. He is survived also by his mother, Bernadine Pullum; in-laws, Cindy and John Sanderson and Larry Lake; sister-in-law, Deni Lowery; brother-in-law John Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich St., in Ionia. Family plan to wear Michigan State Spartans apparel in honor of Pullum and invite guests to do the same.

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Shiloh Community Church, 8197 Heth St., in Orleans.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Pullum Benefit Account through Independent Bank.