James Lee Fann

James Lee Fann, dad, husband and friend, died unexpectedly of a massive cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday, May 28, 2006. He was 72.

He was born on June 14, 1933, in Rolla, Mo., to Bessie (Moss) and Benjamin Fann. After his high school graduation in 1952, he was married to Sylvia Bassler. From 1952 to 1956 he served as a damage controlman in the U.S. Navy after which he worked for the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis. Two years later he moved to Prescott to work in heavy construction for his uncle, Sid Webb. In 1960 he and Sylvia established J.L. Fann Ditching and Excavating, which later became Fann Contracting, Inc. In 1990 he moved to Flagstaff to found Qmax and soon after established residence in Williams, where he was married to Elaine Moffitt.

He was known for his passion for work, spending 46 years as an entrepreneur in heavy construction. His life inspired love, compassion, fortitude, purpose, dedication, quality and giving back 100 percent. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time sailing, fishing listening to music, and caring for the many animals on his residence.

He is survived by his wife Elaine Fann of Williams; his son, Michael W. Fann of Prescott; his daughters Gail Fann Thomas and her husband, Ken of Monterey, Calif.; Karen E. Fann and Jim McKown of Chino Valley; Sarah Bird and her husband, Brian of Phoenix, Arizona; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother Bess Foster; stepfather, Clyde Foster; and close family friend, Sharon Miller Kobayashi.

Memorial services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Calvary Chapel, 2313 E. Highway 69, Prescott, Arizona. Graveside services will follow at Mountain View Cemetery at 1051 Willow Creek Road, Prescott.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Mercy Ships (mercyships.org) or Smile (operationsmile.org).

Arrangements are by Hampton Funeral Home.