james stephen fossett (april 22, 1944 – september 3, 2007) was an american businessman and a record-setting aviator, sailor and adventurer. in 2002, he became the first balloonist to circumnavigate the world alone. in 2005, he completed the first nonstop global flight in an airplane by himself. he was also known for his friendship with billionaire richard branson. branson's virgin group sponsored some of fossett's adventures.