James Lyle Fairchild

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Jim passed away January 21, 2024 at Keelson Harbour at the age of 91.

He was born October 4, 1932 near Pipestone, MN to Guy Edgar Fairchild and Bernice Belle (Noble) Fairchild.  The family moved to Sioux Rapids, IA when Jim was 7.

Jim graduated from Sioux Rapids in 1950 and farmed with his dad until he entered the Army in 1953.  Shortly after he completed basic training, the Korean War ended.  He spent 2 years serving in El Paso, TX and Red Canyon, NM as head of the battery office.

After returning from the service his sister, Donna set him up on a blind date with one of her teacher friends.  He met Bobbie, the love of his life, and married her February 12, 1956.  They had 3 children together, Tim, Tom and Rita.  They had a busy life with kids' activities, full time jobs, an egg laying business, square dancing and weekend camping trips.  Wonderful memories were made on 2 week summer vacations traveling out west in the station wagon.

Jim and Bobbie retired early and enjoyed years of traveling the country in their RV with their cat, Boots.  They had wonderful adventures and made great friends along the way.

When Bobbie's health declined, Jim took over as care giver until she entered the nursing home.  He was totally devoted to her and spent his days with her until she passed in 2009.

When Jim was 77 he met Myrna Heeren at church and they were companions for the last 13 years.

Jim was an eternal optimist.  He never said an unkind word, he had a quick wit and could always make you smile.

He will be missed by those who loved him, but our hearts are at peace knowing he is with Bobbie at last.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Edgar, Donna and Gordon.  

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Tim (Pat) Fairchild, Tom Fairchild and Rita (Tom) Lucht; grandchildren: Hope Fairchild, Heather Speers, Angela Achterhoff, Eric Fairchild, Garrett Sindt, Levi Lucht, Jordon Lucht and Mitchell Lucht; great grandchildren: Austin Fairchild, Noah Fairchild, Olivia, Paisley and Hailey Speers, Jace, Isla and Jovi Fairchild, Oliver Achterhoff and Wyatt, Jackson and Ella Lucht, along with many other relatives and friends.