James Fagan

James Stephen Fagan (February 10, 1943 - August 8, 2024)

James Stephen Fagan (Jim) passed away peacefully after a short illness (cancer) at the age of 81 in Denton, Texas on August 8, 2024. His son, Josh Fagan, was by his side at the time of his passing.

Jim was born in Gainesville, Florida on February 10, 1943 to the parents of Stephen Racine Fagan and Mary Fagan (Grifin). Jim and Mike (his younger brother) grew up in an idyllic town with supportive parents, family, and many friends. With 5 years separation in age, Jim and Mike ran in separate groups, but Jim was good about letting his little brother tag along (most of the time). Most of the activities in Gainesville revolved around school, the Methodist Church, sporting events at the University of Florida, fishing trips to Cedar Key, and summer trips to the North Carolina mountains.

Upon graduation from Gainesville High School, Jim attended Pfeiffer College in North Carolina from 1965 to 1969. He thrived in that small school environment, and went on to obtain a Masters in Social Science from Appalachian State University and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Georgia. Jim spent the first seven years of his teaching career in Jacksonville, Florida. The rest of his teaching career was at  Richardson High School near Denton, where he taught World Geography and Economics. When first moving to Texas he was a professor in the University of Texas system.

Jim joined the Air National Guard during his time in Jacksonville, enlisting in 1967, and continued his service through 1973.

Jim wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to make a difference, not necessarily in big ways, but through individual interactions with friends, co-workers, and family. Former students would contact him many years later to chat about their careers. Jim, along with his wife Liz, spent many hours volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and various projects at the  church. According to Jim's calculation they delivered over 20,000 meals in the Meals on Wheels program. In his earlier years Jim participated in the Big Brothers program and he maintained contact with his 'Little Brother' for many years.

Always the sports buff, Jim followed professional baseball during the 1950's. During a trip to St. Petersburg to see the N.Y. Yankees play during spring training he got autographs from Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford. He continued his love of baseball with the Texas Rangers. He also followed hockey, Canadian and American football, basketball, and other more obscure sports, such as curling and pickleball.

Another one of Jim's passions was model railroads. He spent countless hours building and arranging his train layout. He kept to a 1950's theme and included many buildings and structures from his hometown of Gainesville. He was a long-term member of the Denton Area Model Railroad Club.

Jim met his wonderful wife Liz at a dance in May of 1981. The last song of the night was by a country singer, Anne Murray - 'Could I Have this Dance for the Rest of My Life.' It truly was the rest of their lives. Liz and Jim were married on St. Patrick's Day of 1982. They formed a blended family with Liz's daughter Carol, and Jim's son Josh.

Jim was a devoted father to his son Josh. During one of their early camping trips Josh caught his first trout; ever since, fishing has been one of his passions. Josh has been successful in business and has a wonderful family with his wife Jade, daughter Sydney, and two sons Ethan and Hudson.

Jim was a kind, gentle person and a great mentor to his new stepdaughter, Carol, instilling in her a love of photography that has lasted to this day. Along the way he taught her many life skills needed for young adulthood. Jim walked Carol down the  aisle when she married her husband Kerry, readily embracing him, and they spent  many hours over the years watching and talking sports, among other topics.

Liz and Jim spent many happy years together camping in their Airstream, fishing for trout, and snowshoeing in Colorado. They met many interesting friends along the way. They were long-term members of the First United Methodist church in Denton. Towards the end of their time together Liz developed Alzheimer's. Jim was completely dedicated to her care and support. After many struggles, he adopted the notion that: 'This is what love looks like'.

Jim is survived by Carol and Kerry Ezell (stepdaughter and son-in-law); Josh and Jade Fagan (son and daughter-in-law); grandchildren Sydney, Ethan, and Hudson Fagan; brother Mike Fagan; and sister-in-law Melvina MacDonald. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Liz Fagan (January 24, 2024).

Jim's memorial service will be on Wednesday, August 14, at 3:00 pm, in the Cole Chapel, First United Methodist Church, Denton, Texas. Donations in honor of Jim and Liz can be mailed to: Meals on Wheels, 1800 Malone Street, Denton, TX 76201.