Rev. James Fair

MESA – Rev. James Woodson Fair peacefully joined his wife and love of his life, Esther, for their eternal date on January 30, 2019. James was born March 18, 1927 in Oak Grove, Louisiana to Iverson and Effie Fair. He lived in Louisiana until he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. After the military, James attended Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana to study for the ministry. There he met the love of his life, Esther Ikast, and embarked on a 60 year love affair that produced two children and one grandchild. Rev. Fair is survived by his daughter, Pamela Diane Fair, and his grandson Seth Sower.

James and Esther served as pastors of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) in many different states, and served as missionaries overseas for five years, traveling to several countries to support the work of the church. Rev. Fair served on various national committees and boards for the Church of God. Several of his sermons have been published in Pulpit Digest; an international periodical.

Rev. Fair and his wife retired to Arizona after 30 years in the ministry. However, Rev. Fair did anything but retire. Rev. Fair served on the State Board for the Church of God in Arizona, and participated in planting and developing McDowell Mountain Community Church in Scottsdale.

Rev. Fair served with NAMI of Arizona for years advocating with the state legislature and state agencies for the mentally ill. He assisted numerous families to navigate the system to get the services they needed.

Rev. Fair’s celebration of life with be held on February 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at East University Church of God, 6630 East University, Mesa, Arizona 85205. Graveside Honor Guard will take place February 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 85024.