James Thomas Fayer, Jr.

James Thomas Fayer, Jr., husband of Betty Simmons Fayer, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2015. Jim was born in Perryville, Maryland on September 1, 1931 to Josephine Jackson Fayer and James Thomas Fayer, Sr., who preceded him in death. Jim proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs Fire Department at Perry Point, Maryland with 25 years beginning as a firefighter and ending his career as a Captain. He also retired from ATK (formerly Thiokol Corp). Jim joined The Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD, Inc., on September 3, 1946 at the age of 15 but he was known to sneak on the back of the truck even before that. He was a Life Member with 68 years of service and held offices of Lieutenant, President and served on the Board of Directors. When health problems made it impossible to continue fighting fires, he became active with the Fire Police until he was no longer able to function in that capacity. He was recognized for numerous achievements to include the Hero’s Award in the 1970’s and the President’s Award presented in 2001. In January 2015, Jim was inducted into the Harford/Cecil Volunteer Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame. In addition to Jim’s Fire Department service he was extremely active in his community. Jim was involved with Cub Scout Pack 144 and was a Scout Master of Troop 144. He was also a coach and manager for many years with the Perryville Little League as well as being on the Board of Directors. Jim was a member of the Perryville United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee. He was also a member of Susquehanna Lodge #130 AF&AM where he was a Past Master, Eastern Star Chapter 24, both of Havre de Grace, Maryland, was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite of Free Masonry; Har Ce Forest #142, American Legion Post 135 and VFW Post 8185. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his eight sons, Thomas R. Fayer (Jacque); Joseph A. Fayer (Pam); J. Michael Fayer (Donna); J. Steven Fayer; David R. Fayer; W. Russell Fayer (Linda); Mark T. Fayer, Sr. (Sally): and Keith E. Fayer; his half-brother, James Vernon Fayer (Cass). He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and his cat Peek-A-Boo. He was predeceased by his faithful Yellow Lab, Taffy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Perryville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 213, Perryville, Maryland 21903. There will be two viewings held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at The Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD, Inc., 920 Principio Furnace Road, Perryville, Maryland from 2 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2015, 3 PM, at the Fire Hall. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.