February 19, 1950 – August 19, 2020
James Russell Fairchild, 70, Commiskey, Ind., formerly of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, August 19, 2020, at Ridgewood Health Campus of Lawrenceburg. Born in Lebanon on February 19, 1950, he was the son of the late Russell Boyd “Rut” and Annabelle (Wills) Fairchild.
Following his graduation from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1968, James attended Purdue University, earning Bachelor’s degrees in both Industrial Supervision and Industrial Engineering Technology. James eventually hired on with Hill-Rom in Batesville, Ind. His meticulous nature made him a perfect fit for the company as a project design and engineering supervisor. James retired from Hill-Rom after 20 years of dedicated service.
As with most engineers, regardless of their specialty, they all have a common bond – they are tinkerers, and James was no exception. Able to fix just about anything, he enjoyed fiddling around with electronics, computers and CB radios, and was a certified ham radio operator. James was also a Radio Flyer Train enthusiast, and liked model RC road racing. It wasn’t just small engines that piqued his interest; he had a deep appreciation for his dirt bikes, Corvettes, and Harley Davidson motorcycles.
James also had many other interests. He loved being around his family and friends, and never turned down an opportunity to go on a road trip. Whether it was a full-blown family vacation, or riding around with Deputy Ben Craig during his shift, James enjoyed every moment. Traveling gave him the chance to explore Route 66, the Appalachian Trail, and visit the numerous gravesites of the Fairchild ancestors, many dating back to the 1600s. James also enjoyed weight lifting and was very active in shooting sports.
His church family was also a very important part of his life. James was raised in the Terhune Church, and would later join Sheridan Wesleyan Church and the First Baptist Church in Greensburg, where he served as a Deacon, as well as a sound technician for worship services. He was also a participant in the Walk to Emmaus.
James was a member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge F&AM #309.
James is survived by the love of his life, Peggy Louise (Fox) Fairchild. She and James were married on August 29, 1970. Also surviving are his daughters, Jennifer Louise Martin (Pat), Levant, Kan., and Cheryl Lynn King (Colby), Commiskey, Ind.; granddaughter, Jayden Elizabeth King; two sisters, Linda McClay (Robert), Sheridan, and Mary Lou West (Alden), Hendersonville, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.
The family requests that visitors do their best to follow local and state recommendations, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. – Jennings County, 245 Norris Ave., North Vernon, IN 47265.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com