James Edward Fakler Jr.

September 17, 1955 – December 10, 2020

The oldest of three, Jimmy started his life in Houston and moved to Bethesda where not too long after his sister Julie and brother John joined the family.

Depending upon where in this journey you met Jimmy, you were impressed with his skill and devotion to one of his many loves; tennis, waterskiing, lifeguarding, beach volleyball, golf or fishing. As long as it did not involve cold weather, Jimmy was game. If you were ever lucky enough to be on a boat with him you know he was quick to hand off the rod because he derived such joy watching you reel in the big one.

It may have appeared that Jimmy did not take life too seriously, but that was because he was too busy enjoying life. He cherished his family, his friends and all the characters he met along the way.

If one’s life is stages; childhood, breaking out on your own, work and adult struggles and triumphs and finally enjoying the fruits of your labor, then Jimmy perfected living each stage to the fullest.

He was a devoted friend who could always be counted on to brighten any occasion. He adored his sister Julie and his brother John. He laughed for hours on the phone with his cousin Robert. Jimmy cherished his Aunt Bea and her boys, his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and all of Betsi’s family.

Jimmy was so proud of his brother John and the company they built and shared, and of all the employees who became family.

He loved his Betsi with all his heart and their dog Augie brought him more joy than he thought possible.

Saying he will be missed is like saying the sun will rise tomorrow. He will. It will.

Godspeed Jimmy, you gave it your all, now rest in peace.

Jimmy is survived by: his wife Betsi, his sister Julie and her husband Tracy Callahan, his brother John, his in-laws Tom and Diane Vogel, Nancy and Brian McAndrew, Sally Vogel and Emeric DeBor, his aunt Bea Fakler, his cousins Robert Stevens, Ed and Terrie Fakler and Mike Fakler, his nieces and nephews Doug and Megen Vogel, Christine Zilleckis, Kelly and Adnaan Bhyat, TJ Callahan, Cole and Katie DeBor, Stevie Callahan, Paige and Kevin Taney and Matty Callahan. His great nieces and nephews John and Anna Vogel, Olivia and Carter Zilleckis, McKaylen and Camden James and Madison Taney. And so many friends who are family. You know who you are and you know he loved you completely.

Due to COVID restrictions, Jimmy’s true celebration of his life will be held this coming Spring/Summer in Rehoboth. His immediate family will say good bye with a funeral service at Blessed Sacrament.

Donations may be sent to the Rose Women’s Foundation. A charity that was founded by a young lady Jimmy admired greatly for her dedication to bettering the lives of women and children. rosewomensfoundation.org