Obituary of James A. Fairbanks
James “Jim” Fairbanks, 72, passed away on May 15, in Portland, Oregon. Jim was born on April 24, 1949 in St. Elmo, Illinois, to James Albert and Madonna Esther (Ashely) Fairbanks. He was the second of six children.
Following High School in June of 1968, Jim enlisted with the Navy. He served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1972. He returned to Illinois and began working for World Color Press. He transferred to Merced, California in 1981, and in 1984, Jim had a career opportunity that brought he and his family to Oregon. It was here, at his new place of work, that Jim met the love of his life, Lou Ann “Tiny” Williams. After 31 joyful years together, the couple married on October 11, 2015.
Jim was a car enthusiast and began working around his automotive-passion, as a mechanic, in the mid ‘80s. Aside from his interest in automobiles, he loved spending time with and cooking for his family. He was always a willing to lend a hand, and thoroughly enjoyed helping anyone.
Jim is preceded by his wife, “Tiny”, in 2016. He is survived by son Chad (Shelbie) Fairbanks; daughter Jodi (Mike) Marvin; son Matthew Fairbanks; son Dwayne (Veronica) Fairbanks; siblings, Charlie, Tom, Marilyn, Scott “Faber”, and Lisa; 11 grandchildren, Taeyler, Jordyn, Kendra, Jayda, Nevaeh, Emma, Olivia, Isabelle, Logan, Eli and Madeline; and 3 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Celebration will be held with Military Honors at Willamette National Cemetery on July 12, 2021, at 1:00pm.
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