03/19/2026
Faircloth - James “Jim” Bryant Faircloth, age 87, of Callahan, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 1, 1938, in Jackson, Alabama, Jim was the son of the late Herbert Leroy Faircloth and Martha Louise Benson Faircloth. On May 18, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Faircloth. Together they shared 67 beautiful years of marriage, building a life filled with love and raising two children, Ramona Faircloth Cunningham and Mark Anthony Faircloth. Jim was also the proud grandfather and great-grandfather, deeply cherished by his granddaughter, Melissa and great-grandsons, Jackson and Jameson. His family was his pride and joy and his love for his family was the core of who he was. Jim was affectionately known as "the best Papa in the world," and found immense joy watching his great-grandsons play baseball, rarely missing a game. Both boys were named in his honor, ensuring that his legacy will live on through them. Jim began his career serving in the Alabama National Guard before embarking on a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Navy. Rising to the rank of E8, Jim completed two tours in Vietnam and retired with honor. Following his military service, Jim continued to excel professionally. He worked for Sikorsky Aircraft for 14 years before retiring and later joined CCI, where he retired for a third time. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to CCI, the company honored him by naming the building after him, the Jim Faircloth Facility. Jim was a man of deep faith and community involvement. He was a devoted member of Friendship Alliance Church in Callahan, Florida. Jim cherished serving his Lord and Savior and held a special place in his heart for his beloved little church. He was also an active member of Masonic Lodge No. 32 in Callahan, Florida and VFW Post 10095 in Hilliard, Florida. Jim’s passions extended beyond his professional achievements and community service. He and Mary were avid square dancers with the Merry Mavericks, traveling across the country to square dance. They also enjoyed camping with their camping club, River City Campers, forming lifelong friendships that became more like family. Jim was a passionate and devoted fan of the University of Alabama football who never missed watching a game. He lived and breathed Crimson Tide pride. ROLL TIDE! Jim also found joy in life’s simple pleasures, spending time outdoors and appreciating nature. Jim’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to God, his family, his country, and his community. Jim was an amazing man who brought peace wherever he went. You will never meet a more precious man who had a giving heart of gold. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Mary Evelyn Faircloth; son, Mark Anthony Faircloth; and brother, Herbert “Dusty” Byron Faircloth.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Ramona Faircloth Cunningham; granddaughter, Melissa (Chase) Faircloth Hester; great grandsons, Jackson Bryant Bennett and Jameson Michael Hester; sister, Shirley Faircloth Walker; several nephews, nieces, and extended family members.
The tribute above was prepared with love by Jim’s granddaughter, Melissa.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Funeral Home with Pastor Marty Paparo officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. where military honors will be rendered. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim’s honor to the Shriners Children’s Hospital https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.
