Jimmy Ray Fairchild

He is survived by brothers Donald L. (Linda L.) Fairchild of McPherson, Kansas; and Craig J. (Linda K.) Fairchild of Castle Rock, Colorado; nephew Scott Fairchild; nieces: Denise Fairchild, Cheri Kaberline, Julie Thogmartin, Susan Wilson, and Nancy Black; along with 27 great nephews and nieces, and a great-great nephew and niece.

Jimmy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, graduating Cum Laude in 1963 from Kansas State University. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the K-State Singers. Following college graduation, Jimmy moved to Washington, D.C.. Starting as a bright young lad from Kansas, his political career began as he served Representative Garner Shriver, from Wichita, Kansas from 1963 to 1976; interrupted by a brief stint for Representative Ancher Nelson, from Minnesota.

In 1977, Jimmy was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee, as Minority Staff Assistant, Subcommittee on Foreign Operations by Michigan Representative, Al Cederberg. After serving 27 years in Congress, Jimmy retired in the summer of 1990 under Silvio Conte, Representative from Massachusetts.

Jimmy was an expert on Foreign Affairs, the State Department, and the Department of Commerce; a loyal patriot who was dependable, prepared, knowledgeable and a true asset to our Nation; traveling extensively to more than 70 countries throughout his career.

Before college, he thought he had a calling on his life to the ministry; however, his focus changed to political science at KSU. Years later, he fulfilled that calling for the last 29 years of his life, by serving as a volunteer with the Foundry United Methodist Church Saturday Morning Cooking Ministry. As a long-time Capitol Hill resident, he was committed and definitely had a heart to serve those in his community. He was well known for his generosity of spirit to his friends and neighbors who frequently visited along with their canine companions, which he always passed out biscuits to all the dogs he loved.

He is remembered by family and friends, not only for his polished professional mannerism but his fun-loving side and laughter. Affectionately known as UJ (Uncle Jim) was by no means all work and no play. He was competitive at cards, especially at cribbage and canasta… losing was not his forte.

A few memories throughout the years were:

* He thought for the longest time that his name was, “Damnit”, because often his mother would say “Damnit, Jimmy!”

* As small children he entertained us allowing his nieces to stand on his feet as he walked us around the room

* Always giving thoughtful and personal gifts

* Teasing him about how “big” his front lawn was and never needing a lawn mower because a pair of clippers would be sufficient

Simply put, he was:

Sophisticated, brilliant, generous, revered as a snappy-dresser…a true class act!

He enjoyed cooking, photography, classical music, traveling…and oh could he entertain. Jimmy was known for his extravagant, elegant, and exquisite Christmas parties.

As a brother, an uncle, and friend he made us all feel so special.

Jim…UJ...Damnit Jimmy! You will be deeply missed by us all.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Donald L. Fairchild, Sr.; mother, Phoebe L. Steel Fairchild; sister-in-law, Linda Kay Fairchild; and great nephew Jedidiah Thogmartin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Washington, D.C. or Foundry United Methodist Church Saturday Morning Cooking Ministry of Washington, D.C. A funeral service will be held at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Friends are invited to meet the family at 1:00 pm prior to the service. A reception will follow the funeral. Services conclude at the church.