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James Fair Obituary

James R Fair James Rutherford Fair died On October 11, 2010 at Austin, Tex. after a short illness. Born in Charleston, Mo., October 14, 1920, the son of James R. and Georgie C. Fair, and reared in Tonganoxie, Kan., and Little Rock, Ark., he had been a resident of Austin since 1979, with his wife making their home on Northwood Road in Tarrytown. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Merle Innis Fair, formerly of Port Lavaca, Tex., and by two children and their spouses, James Rutherford Fair III, and wife Linda, of Fort Smith, Ark.; and Richard Innis Fair, and wife Kathy, of Mishawaka, Ind. A third child, Elizabeth Fair Drews, died in 2010; her husband is Donald Drews, of Oak Park, Ill. James Fair is survived also by six grandchildren, Eric Rutherford Fair, William Robert Fair, Ellen Drews, Thomas Rutherford Drews, Andrew Chalmer Fair, and Michael James Fair. Also surviving him is a brother, Robert Fair, of Charlottesville, Va. A sister, Mary Nance Fair Stramm, of Fayetteville, N.C., preceded him in death. At the time of his death Dr. Fair held an appointment as the McKetta Centennial Energy Chair Emeritus in the Chemical Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Austin, where he founded the long-lived Separations Research Program and served as its Head from 1982 to 1996. After a distinguished career in industry, primarily with Monsanto Company, he moved to the University in July 1979 where he was awarded the first endowed chair in the College of Engineering. His industrial background included significant assignments in research, process design, manufacturing technical services and commercial development. During World War II he was vitally involved with the government high explosives and synthetic rubber programs. His final position at Monsanto was Director of Corporate Technology. In addition, he served as Affiliate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis from 1964 to 1977. Dr. Fair was a former Director of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), a former president of James R. Fair, Inc., a former vice-president of Fractionation Research, Inc., and was a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas and Missouri. His honors included the Personal Achievement Award of Chemical Engineering magazine; the William H. Walker Award, the Chemical Engineering Practice Award, the Founders Award, and the Gerhold Award in Separations Technology, all from AIChE; the Separations Science and Technology Award of the American Chemical Society; the Distinguished Engineering Graduate Award from The University of Texas at Austin; election to Fellow Grade of membership in AIChE; and election to the National Academy of Engineering. In November 1979 he delivered the Annual Institute Lecture before AIChE, and in November 1983 was honored as an Eminent Chemical Engineer at the AIChE Diamond Jubilee meeting. In November 2000 he was honored in a special symposium of AIChE for his many contributions to the distance learning program of that organization. Dr. Fair received the 1987 Joe J. King Professional Engineering Achievement Award from the University of Texas at Austin. He held the Cockrell Chair in Engineering from 1979 to 1985 and the McKetta Centennial Energy Chair in Engineering from 1985 through 1992. In 1991 he received the Malcolm Pruitt Award from the Council for Chemical Research. In 1993 he received the Gold Medallion award from the American Society for Engineering Education. In October 1993 he was honored by a Festschrift of the international journal, Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research. More recently, Dr. Fair was inducted into the Engineering Hall of Fame at Georgia Tech, in 1994. Dr. Fair authored or co-authored seven books and over 200 technical articles and book chapters. He supervised the master's and doctoral research of 42 graduate students. He also published extensively in the field of railroad history. He lectured internationally on many occasions, and for 25 years taught a continuing education course under the sponsorship of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the course being the most popular of that organization and offered over 125 times. He held BS, MS and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and the Universities of Michigan and Texas. Washington University and Clemson University awarded him honorary doctorates. His biographical sketch may be found in Who's Who in America and similar listings. He was an avid book collector and his very large collection on railroad history and operations has been given to the Railroad and Heritage Museum at Temple, Texas. He conducted research on railroad history and to this end published a number of articles as well as two full-length books on the subject. Earlier, his extensive collection of technical books was given to the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. He was an interested and semi-active alumnus of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He led an active church life, and served the church in many ways, including session membership, at University Presbyterian Church in Austin. Funeral arrangements are being made by Weed-Corley-Fish, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. Funeral services will be private. Burial will be at Austin Memorial Cemetery. Those interested may make gifts in his honor to The University of Texas at Austin, Chemical Engineering Department; University Presbyterian Church of Austin, or a charity of choice. Obituary and guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Fair

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Adam Heller

October 13, 2010

Dear Merle and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Adam and Ilana Heller

October 27, 2010

We love you Aunt Merle. Kathy, Bill, Blake & Amy Alger

Bill Pollard

October 25, 2010

My thoughts are with Dr. Fair's family and friends at this sad time. Dr Fair was one of the premier rail historians, yet he always found time to exchange thoughts and data about our mutual interest - the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf. The books he authored on railroad history will remain a gift for future generations.

Frank Rukovena, Jr.

October 19, 2010

I am saddened to learn of Jim’s death. I always looked forward to talking with him at AIChE, UT-SRP, and at Fractionation Research Inc. meetings. I along with everyone else will miss him.

Randy Freeman

October 17, 2010

I am sorry to learn of Jim's death. He hired me for my first job at Monsanto. He will be missed. Rest well my friend.

J Antonio Garcia

October 14, 2010

"I will forever be grateful for the difference he made in my life. It was an honor to work for him as a professional and as a graduate student. He will always be in my prayers and thoughts."

J Antonio Garcia

October 14, 2010

" I will forever be grateful for the difference he made in my life. It was an honor to work for him as a professional and as a graduate student. He was and will continue being my role model."

Bill Stramm

October 14, 2010

Uncle Jim was a true inspiration and a leader that I admired very much. My heartfelt condolences go out to Aunt Merle, Jim (Rud) and Rich. A truly great man was lost on October 11th. I am sure he is at peace with his Lord.

Bill Zimmermann

October 13, 2010

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We spent many years together at Monsanto Texas City starting in 1947.

Jody Lester

October 13, 2010

I was so sad to learn of Dr. Fair's passing. I enjoyed working for him and will always remember his zest for life.

Tiffany D

October 13, 2010

It was definitely an honor to work with Dr. Fair. I spent a brief time as an undergrad working for him and I feel very lucky to have spent that time learning from him.

Rick Burns

October 13, 2010

James Fair was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I am proud to have known Uncle Jim.

Robert, Merle, Rich, Rudd; I know I echo the thoughts of the entire family when I say that you are in my thoughts & prayers.

Mitch, John, Dr Fair, me, Frank & Chris - UTSRP 2006

Larry Smith

October 13, 2010

It was always a genuine pleasure working with Dr Fair ... and an honor to have shared authorship of US Patent 7255777. For me, he set the standard to emulate for "retirement". He will be missed...and remembered with every apple fritter

Jim Deam

October 13, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a colleague in Monsanto and Fractionation Research Inc., but more importantly a good friend and mentor.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - North

5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731

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