James "Jim" Fain

James Luther Fain of Glendale, AZ was born on November 9, 1921 in Emporia, Kansas. Jim passed away on Monday, January 30th at the age of 96. Jim spent his early years working on the Fain Family farm in Allerton, IA. Jim and his high school sweetheart, Viola Way, were married in 1941 and moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1948. Together, Jim and Vi built their family, three sons: James (Bill), Michael, and Randy Rhea. Upon moving to Phoenix, Jim tried his hand at picking cotton, panning for gold, selling real estate, and eventually landed at Alcoa-Reynolds Aluminum as an aluminum extrusion press operator. He retired from Reynolds after 35 years.

To Jim’s great sadness, Vi passed away in 1976. After his loss, Jim thought he would remain a bachelor for the rest of his days. Thanks to his youngest son, Randy, Jim met Margaret “Midge” Barclay, a vivacious little blond who had recently lost her spouse. A year later, they blended their families together. From 1977 until 2014 (when he lost the second love of his life), Jim and Midge traveled the United States via travel trailer or motor home; and, cruised their way to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico. His greatest vacation always camping at Ashurst Lake. Another of his loves was relating and telling stories of his life on the farm; his move to Phoenix; and all of their travels. He shared these stories especially with his kids and grandkids and many friends. Next to Vi, and then, Midge, Jim’s family was his most important asset. Jim was a kind, quiet, hard-working, gentle-giant of a man. He had a special knack when it came to working with his hands – the man could fix or build anything.

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Richard and Flossie Fain; his first wife, Viola; his second wife, Midge; and his youngest son, Randy. He is survived by sons: Jim and his wife, Karen, of Logan, UT; Michael and his wife, Carol, of Norman, OK; Bill Barclay and wife, Cheryl of Phoenix, AZ; and, daughter, Cathy Cherrington and husband, Steve of Phoenix, AZ. He, also, leaves ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Jim lived a long and joy-filled life. However, the last several years, his only thought and wish was to join all of his family in heaven. He wanted to go to sleep and wake up in his heavenly home. Thank you, Lord, you gave him his last wish.

Viewing will be Monday, February 5th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes, 7924 N 59th Avenue, Glendale. Graveside service and interment will be Tuesday, February 6th, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 719 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix. A reception will follow at Greenwood Mortuary.