James Fair Jr.

James Fair, Jr., 85, of Benton Harbor, passed away Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, following an extended illness. A celebration service for Mr. Fair will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, Feb. 17, at Greater Community Christian Fellowship (formerly Community Church of God in Christ), 870 Nate Wells Drive, Benton Harbor. The sanctuary will be open to the public at 9:30 AM. Pastor Fred Cunningham II, Watts Memorial Church of God in Christ, Benton Harbor, will officiate. Burial will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery following the service. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to pastordennisfair@gmail.com or by USPS mail to: The Fairs, 76012 Carlton Drive, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197. Mr. Fair was born May 1, 1925, in West Memphis, Ark., to Mr. James and Alberta (MacKay) Fair, Sr. He grew up in Benton Harbor and served honorably in World War II. In spring 1947, he met Helen Virginia Brown and the two were married on Oct. 26 of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Fair were active members of Community COGIC before becoming members of Watts’ Memorial COGIC (formerly Nowlen Street COGIC). A licensed church elder, he served as Sunday school superintendent and trustee board member. Mr. Fair worked locally at Auto Specialties Manufacturing, Michigan Fruit Canners, and Pinkerton Security. In 1989, he retired along with his wife. In 1997, the couple renewed their wedding vows during a 50-year anniversary celebration. On August 13, 2001, his wife passed away – together they enjoyed 53 years. Mr. Fair will be remembered for his dedication to Christ, his gentle yet masculine spirit, and his love toward his family. Those left to celebrate his life include: a daughter, Jackie Johnson of Memphis, Tenn; sons – Robert Haggard of Grand Rapids, Dennis (Jacquelyne) Fair of Ypsilanti, Darryl (Hazel) Fair of Ceres, Calif., Darnell (Kayjona) Fair of Detroit, former Benton Harbor City Attorney Darwyn (Volante) Fair of Farmington Hills, and Dana (Nakia) Fair of Ann Arbor; a sister, Alice Bishop of Benton Harbor; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; the Mitchell-Brown Family; a host of church family members; and other members of the community. Mr. Fair is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a step-son, Roger Brown; a sister, Willa Mae Fair; and a brother, Buddy Fair.

Tributes

James Fair Jr.

May 1, 1925 - February 10, 2011