JAMES FREDERICK "JIM" FENSKE

1933 - 2025

FENSKE, James "Jim" Frederick Of Bedford, MA, formerly of Lexington, MA and New Durham, NH, passed away peacefully, on July 23, at the age of 92, following complications from an accident. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Faith Weden Fenske; his daughter, Cynthia (Fenske) Poper of Edgewood, MD; his son, David Fenske, and daughter-in-law, Maryann, of Audubon, PA; his cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, and Cory; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Lillian and Lexington (Lexi). Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jim pursued his passion for science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. He dedicated 31 years to Avco/Textron, specializing in missile systems and countermeasures, retiring at age 55. His career also took him to remarkable places, including serving as Director of an observatory atop Mt. Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii, and leading computer control system development for a Saudi Arabian airport. Jim and Faith shared a zest for life and adventure, traveling to 76 countries across all seven continents. Together, they embraced the outdoors: skiing, water skiing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and camping. Jim was also an avid fisherman, hunter, scuba diver, and skydiver. Their deep commitment to community was evident in their decades-long involvement with Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington. Jim sang in the choir for over 50 years, while Faith contributed for more than 30. Both were active in numerous fundraising efforts and church initiatives. Jim also participated in town leadership, through being a town meeting member and a school committee member in Lexington and town moderator in New Durham. A Memorial Service will be held September 27, 2025, at 11 AM, at Hancock Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jim's honor may be sent to Hancock United Church of Christ, Attn: Memorial Fund, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421. Jim will be remembered for his intelligence, boundless curiosity, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for his family and church.

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