On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, James Young Fairbairn, of Springfield, loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away in his home at the age of 89. James, known to his friends and family as Jim, was the life of the party. He was most in his element when surrounded by friends and family, telling stories, making jokes, and encouraging others to join him in song. After leaving New York, Jim lived a long and prosperous life that took him all across the country. He eventually settled in the Ozarks, where he had married the love of his life, Jane, and they chose to raise their three children. Jim’s kind heart and charismatic personality made for many friends and successful business ventures. He will be remembered as hard working, generous, dutiful, and full of love, to all that knew him.

Jim was born on October 19, 1933, in New York, NY, to Elizabeth and Thomas Fairbairn. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane Fairbairn; children, Thomas (Tracy) Fairbairn, Elizabeth (Greg) Fairbairn, and Cameron (Colleen) Fairbairn; grandchildren, Austin (Kelsey) Fairbairn, Kirsten (Jacob) Skinner, Sophia (Daniel) Cole, Larsen Cole, and Grace Fairbairn; great- grandchildren, Thea Fairbairn and Huck Skinner; his brother, William Fairbairn; and the many others who loved him. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Fairbairn; brother, Robert Fairbairn; and sister, Bea Rein.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Salvation Army, Ozarks Food Harvest, or a charity of your choice.