James “Jim” Allan Faris

James “Jim” Allan Faris

James “Jim” Allan Faris left this world on November 15, 2024. His wife of over 63 years was by his side during his final moments.
Jim was born on December 31, 1934, in Mount Ayr, Iowa to Wilbur and Eva Faris. Jim was the eldest of five children, Everett Lee, Florence Louise, Euphan Lucille and Evan Lyle.
After graduating Mount Ayr High School in 1952, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving 9 years active duty as a Boiler room operator. After being Honorably discharged from the Navy, He worked as a Stationary Steam Engineer for McDonnell Douglas, Northrop and Lockheed in Palmdale, California.
While in the Navy, Jim married Katherine Landis on January 14, 1961, in Lakewood, California. They were blessed with 4 children, Kevin Michael, Kenneth Allan, Shelley Ann and Sherry Mae.
They made their home in Lancaster, California.
Jim joined the Masonic Lodge and worked his way up to Grand Master, his grandkids called him the Grand PooBah, they watched The Flintstones a lot. Jim was also a Shriner but at 5’16”, he was too tall to drive the little cars in the parade.
Jim loved traveling with his family in their motorhome, aka “the turtle”. They all spent many summers traveling to Iowa to spend time on the Faris farm and with family. They all traveled the Alcan Highway through Canada making their way to Alaska. Most family vacations during the summers were as long as 4 weeks. As the family grew into grandchildren, the adventures continued.
The grands and great grandkids will hold their memories with grandpa close to their hearts. Always remembering his enormous hugs, infectious laugh and smile. His one liners “how do you feel grandpa?” With my fingers, how tall are you? 5’16”. Scaring them all when they ran through the house, just to mention a few.
We tend to forget dad was a little boy, big brother, working on the farm with his family. Walking to school in 2 feet of snow, uphill both ways, an oldie but a goodie. Always makes us smile when Uncle Lyle calls dad Jimmy, and he still does. Dad sweetly called Aunt Lucille, Lucy and Aunt Louise, Weezie.
Jim is survived by his wife Katherine “Katie” Faris, Sons Kevin (Carol), Kenny (Kelli), and daughter Sherry. Grandchildren, Melanie (Eric), Daniel (Dave), Derek (Kelsey), Michael (Alex), Courtney (Steve), Shannon (John), Brittany, Jordan, Brady and Jarrod. 18 great grandchildren who he loved and adored.
Jim left this world after almost 90 years on earth, and we know he was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Wilbur and Eva Faris. Brother Lee and wife Martha, Sister Louise and husband Doyle but right up front, with arms wide open for a long-awaited hug from his daughter Shelley Ann who passed over 30 years ago.
Many other loved ones including aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews that preceded him in death.
For our family and friends near and far, we know you are here in spirit, sharing your love and memories together as we lay him to rest.
Our love for you will never die, our hearts will always be full and our memories………. “Priceless.
A visitation will be on Thursday, November 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service held at 7 p.m.; funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, November 22, all at Armstrong Funeral Home. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials are to the family to be decided. Memories may be shared at www.armstrongfh.com