In Remembrance Of
James M. Fansher
James M. Fansher, 66, of Trimble, MO formerly of Nashua, MO passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016.
He was born on January 17, 1950 to James “Chief” and Dortha (Rouner) Fansher on the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois. Jim graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1968. He received an Associate Degree in Electronics from Maple Woods Community College.
Jim worked in the Aviation Department at KCI and then at Wilcox Electric as a manufacturing engineer in the aviation communications industry for 18 years.
He was a lifetime scholar and an avid reader. He spent many hours in his shop working on mechanical, electronic and wood projects. In the last few years as his health failed, he taught himself to tat, crochet and knit and enjoyed giving his lovely projects to friends and family.
Jim loved traveling and enjoyed many motorcycle trips having ridden to all US States except Hawaii. He also took road trips to many parts of Canada and several countries in Europe. His most memorable bike trip was to the North Pole. He also treasured piloting his Cessna 140. In addition to the thrill of the actual travel he enjoyed the beauty of nature he saw and the many, many people he met on his travels.
Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years Nancy Fansher of Trimble; his sister Shirley Fansher of Kansas City; sisters-in-law Becky Ledgerwood of Sedalia, Rita Shero (Alan) of Athens, AL, Judy Collins (Bob) of Elsberry, MO, Jeanie Gomez (Johnny) of Casa Grande, AZ and brothers-in-law Brent Downing (Delia) of Washingtonville, NY, Dave Downing of Columbia, MO and Dan Downing (Cindy) of Ashland, MO. He was a loving uncle to 8 nieces and nephews and a great-uncle to 6.
Jim loved his family, his friends, and his dogs. With his sharp mind and quick wit he was a great conversationalist and spent time sharing stories, thoughts and his experiences with others. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him.
A private family service will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Janelle Downing Memorial 4-H Scholarship (Missouri 4-H Foundation 11105 College Ave Rm 152 Columbia, MO 65211) or Charles A. Ledgerwood Scholarship (Sedalia School District Foundation PO Box 2505 Sedalia, MO 65302) or Wayside Waifs (3901 Martha Truman Rd Kansas City, MO 64137).
Arrangements Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower
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19 comments
jphn gibson sosman
Jim was a good friend back when we worked together at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) in 1975, and I used to visit him at his home . I I remember what a good mechanic he was. I had purchased a 1957 GMC pickup at one point. Jim heard the engine running one day and said “It is going to throw a rod” or words to that effect. Not long after- in October or probably November 1975- I twas driving that truck to Florida, and innear Jefferson City, Missouri, as I was going down- I think it was Highway 50- there was an enormous clatter from its engine, and I stopped, and had to abandon the vehicle- actually, not abandoned, but sold it for fifty dollars to someone. I remember thinking how right Jim had been. I lost touch with him soon after that, but have always held a deep respect for him. He was a good friend. At the tme he was an engine mechanic at KCI- I was just a lawn mower in grounds maintenance. Anyway, I wanted to write these words of remembrance and respect. I thought highly of him. He was a smart, good man. from Gib Sosman, Lawrence, Ks.
BJ Platz (Jen)
My deepest condolences on the loss of Jim. I am so sorry to have lost contact with you. I sorry I was not there to help you through Jim’s passing. I hope our paths may cross again – Love you both, Jen and Pam
Tirzah Gregory
I'm sorry to hear of Jim's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and her family. It sounds like he lived a good life and left behind many great memories.
Rev. Desmond C. Lamb
My prayers are with you and your family.
Art Mezins
Jim was colorful, warm, and great guy to talk to. He always had something to say, with an opinion on anything and everything, and never hesitated to share it with anyone. Even if Jim just met you, he would talk with you like you've been friends forever. I guess you're now talking it up with a new crowd. You will be missed.
Jaye Lewis Schmidt & Dennis Schmidt
We're sorry for the loss of Jim "Flash" . It has been a while since we got to see him however Mark Jacobs always kept us in informed of him and you Nancy. Our thoughts and prayers for you and the family. We are thinking of you.Dennis & Jaye
Fred Gerken
I will miss "Flash" ,a true friend.Thanks for everything Jim.
Sandy Littrell
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. James had one of the sharpest minds I have ever know. And an equally sharp wit. He will be missed for sure.
Katherin Downing
Uncle Jim was a beautiful person, and his love and caring was always in great supply. One of my happiest memories with him also includes my son Carter. While Carter was not always a quiet baby, when his great uncle Jim held him there were no cries to be heard. Instead, he would stare with love and joy at Jim and give him nothing but giggles – something that Jim often brought up with a smile. I feel blessed to have had a man like Jim as my uncle. He will be greatly missed by us both.
Maureen Wiederholt
Nancy, you and your family are in my prayers. Maureen
Locoge gregory
My condolences to nancy and all his family, I'm really sad to read this today. I will always remember of the first time i saw him when I was 2-3 years old. Wished I could see him again… May God bless him.Greg
LOCOGE Andre
It is from France that I would like to let all of you know that I am deeply touched to have lost the man whom I was always calling my American brother. More than a friend Jim was my big brother throughout my life. Even if an ocean separated us I knew he was there for me and I for him. He has been my most beautiful encounter in friendship and opened my mind on so many things that I will never be able enough to thank him. I always missed him and now more than ever. I hope he sees me from where he is now and feel the immense grief to have missed seeing him one more time before he leaves us all. I believe, however, that we meet and share again the feeling so strong that existed between us. Once last goodbye "American brother.
Andre LOCOGE
I missed you ever.. Your french brother. You was and you will be the best friend I never had.my sincere condolences to Nancy
Garry and Pam (Sullenger) Stewart
Nancy and Family, So sorry to read of the loss of your husband. With deep sympathy and best wishes.
Mark
We use the word 'friend' often without really thinking of the true meaning of the word. If we are fortunate enough, we meet someone that shows us that meaning. That was Jim. Through the last 30 years he taught me many things. Some that changed my perspective on day to day life, some that made it possible to get through lifes tough times, and I suspect some that I haven't even realized yet. His struggles are over now that he has departed on his next journey, but his passing leaves a hole that can't be filled. I feel fortunate to be able to say that Jim was a true friend. I loved him. And he will be missed more than words can tell.
Mark & Joyce Brownfield
We're both so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.He lived a rich and full life, but far too short. He was always hoot to be around at our family gatherings. Our prayers are with this precious family.
Jan Gould
Dear Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have such fond memories of time spent with you guys at Aunt Doris and Uncle Buddy's farm for family gatherings. I know it has not been easy for either of you these last few years and hope that both of you are at peace. Much love from your Indy cousins, Jan Gould
Joy Osborne
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, but felt I knew him through my friendship with his wife, Nancy. It was a pleasure to read about his life accomplishments and his exciting activities and hobbies. The picture of Jim with his sweet dog is how I would picture him, as Nancy and I as devout dog lovers would love to share dog stories. Nancy was a steadfast and devoted parnter to Jim with a love that lasted through many challenges. My heart goes out to Nancy and her family in this difficult time, but I know that there will be times coming when the family will sit together and enjoy the memories of Jim. Bless you Nancy and take care.
Lula Blountt
I also had the pleasure to Know Jim, I worked with his wife Nancy, And sometimes when he would call for her, I get the opportunity to talk with him, And yes, he did have good stories to talk about , But most of all I was so impressed that he knew how to knit, That was the greatest, His wife Nancy is the sweetest and she will miss him, Every time she talked about Jim, You could see she would always have in her eyes and voice the Kindness of words, feeling about Jim, he was the sweetest man she would say . And A good man, Jim you will be missedLula Blountt