James A. Fair II

Mr. James Albert Fair II [Jr.] was born November 3, 1953 in Chicago, IL to Mr. & Mrs. James Sr. and Otha B. Fair.  He was the youngest of six siblings, Billy, Barbara Joyce, Mildred, Jean Darnell, Janice, and Linda Lee.  On February 28, 1976, James married Rosemary Julion at St. Mel’s Catholic Church on the Westside of Chicago.  To this union, they were blessed with five children: Jim (James) Albert, Rosetta Nichole, Marcía Carita, Marcus Lamar, and Casundria Danielle, raising them together with love until Rosemary passed away on February 23, 1994.  He later married Patti G. Thompson on August 24, 1996 at Apostolic Church of God on the Southside of Chicago.  Together, they continued to lovingly raise all five children.  After a courageous battle with cancer, Mr. James A. Fair peacefully passed away on August 5, 2025.

James is preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary Julion Fair; father, James A. Fair Sr; mother, Otha B. Fair; brother, Billy Fair (survived by Solcha Fair); four sisters, Barbara Joyce Knox (preceded in death by Ulysess Knox), Mildred Brown (survived by James Brown), Jean Darnell Turner (preceded in death by Richard Turner), and Janice Rushing (survived by Johnny Rushing).

He leaves to cherish in his memory his loving wife of 29 years, Patti G. Fair; son, Jim (Kate) Fair and their daughter, Jayde Rosemary; daughter, Rosetta Fair; daughter, Marcia (Waliy) Eleim and their children A'Siya Qu'ren Gayles, Tzuriya Selah, and Baby Eleim expected October 2025; son, Marcus (Leslie) Fair and their children Marcus Kalel and Rose Iris; and daughter Casundria Haelstorm; sister, Linda (Kenny) Manney; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and acquaintances.

James was positive, chill, humorous, and always had something interesting to say.  A peaceful man of both gentleness and determination, he had a fearless nature and spirit for navigation.  Raised on the Southside of Chicago, James attended Forrestville High School before graduating from Calumet High School in 1972 and later from the United States Army Sixth Battalion in 1975.  Throughout his life, James Fair worked in many professions including service with the National Guard, Burlington Northern Railroad, as an electrician, John H. Stroger Hospital as a Cook County Officer, Scholastic Books, and First Student Bus Company.  He was a devoted family man whose love and loyalty knew no bounds.  As his wife, Patti, reflected, he was “affectionate to his family, always very understanding and listened, and made his point known.”  His greatest joy was found in his relationship with Jehovah God, our almighty and loving creator. James unashamedly confessed his life to Him, keeping his faith strong through prayer and scripture study, which guided his every step.  

Mr. James A. Fair’s journey on this earth was one marked by honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, joy, love, strength, patience, enthusiasm for life, and an unyielding faith in Jehovah God.  His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who were touched by him and although his presence may no longer be seen, his love will remain with us always.  May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor him by living with the same principles and a deep-rooted faith in Jehovah God.

“Trust in Him at all times; ye people; pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”  - Psalm 62:8

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