James "Jim" Estel Fay

James “Jim” Estel Fay, of Evansville, IN, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020, at the age of 89. After years of suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, his mind and body have been made new, and he rests with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jim was born in Tell City, IN, on September 6, 1930, to August G. E. and Minnie (Wheatley) Fay.

Jim was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, having served from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany where he was a cook for the troops.  Three months after arriving home from the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty.  They have shown the steadfast bond of marriage for over 66 years.

Jim believed everyone should work hard to get a good education. His passion was teaching, and he did it as long as he was able.  He was a graduate of Evansville College and Indiana University. He taught English and Girls Glee Club at Reitz High School from 1966 to 1982.  He also served as the Speech and Debate Coach and assistant music director for the marching band at Reitz.  In 1982, he took a position at Bosse High School where he taught Journalism and was the faculty representative for the newspaper and yearbook until his retirement in 1993.  In his early retirement, he continued teaching as a substitute teacher for the EVSC and taught evening classes at Ivy Tech. 

Jim was a member of Crossroads Christian Church. He loved music, singing, and playing the piano, and he also enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad. He was a man of many hobbies and collections, usually developing based on the interests and pursuits of his children and grandchildren. Another way he enjoyed serving his Lord was through volunteering as a Stephen Minister, board member for the Riley Angel Tree Society, and painting ceramics for donations to the Angel Tree Society.  He was the family cook and prepared hundreds of meals for church banquets, fundraisers, friends, and family gatherings. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty (Hudson) Fay of 66 years; daughters, Lea (Tim) Deisher and Lari (Rob) Procunier; grandchildren, Jan (Kent) Gerbers, Cole Deisher, Candace (Ross) Chapman, Daniel Procuner, and Eric (Jessi) Procunier; 5 great-grandchildren, Kendall and Maris Gerbers, William, Pierce, and Beckett Chapman; and brother, Earl Fay.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Paul, Ralph, and Raymond.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2020, at Crossroads Christian Church at 10800 Outer Lincoln Avenue, Newburgh with Pastor Eric Cummings officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Tell City, IN.

Friends may visit from 10:00  a.m. until service time, Monday, February 3, 2020 at Crossroads Christian Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society at 318 Main Street, Suite 219, Evansville, IN 47708 or Crossroads Christian Church at 10800 Outer Lincoln Avenue, Newburgh, IN 47630.

Arrangements are being handled by BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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