James Francis Fallon

First Class Petty Officer James F. Fallon, United States Navy, Retired, slipped his mooring lines and got underway on final deployment, with orders to report to the staff of the Supreme Commander. He passed the sea buoy outward bound at 0715, 15 January 2026 on his final sortie.

Petty Officer Fallon served successfully as an operations specialist, command career counselor, and Navy recruiter (Wheaton, IL and Jacksonville, FL). His service included USS Lookout (AGR-2), USS Cross (DE-448), USS Fechteler (DDR-870), USS Providence (CLG-6), U.S. Army 204th Military Police Company (Navy Detachment), Chicago, IL, USS Firedrake (AE-14), and USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt (CV-42).

He was a member in good standing with the United States Naval Institute, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3270, and American Legion Post 129.

Fallon was the firstborn of Irish immigrant parents and the product of an education by the Franciscan teaching brothers. He was a true patriot with a passionate love of the stars and stripes, which he served with tremendous pride for 24 years active duty, plus 5 years temporary active duty.

Skip made seven 6-9 month deployments to Vietnam waters and was the recipient of numerous medals, awards, and commendations.

He was easily recognized around the beaches area as a Navy recruiter by his 1950's hair style, frequent wearing of dark glasses, and his red-gray beard.

He also served as Director of the USO (Jacksonville Beach), a new car sales person, and dispatcher for a local land development and site preparation company.

Skip was preceded in death by his beloved and beautiful mate of 55 years, Barbara H. Fallon, who he described as "that tough little girl from the south side of Chicago." Their union delivered two sons, both graduates of Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach, Florida. Gunnery Sergeant Roy C. (Rhonda) Fallon, USMC (Retired), became a teacher at Mayport Middle School and Fletcher High School and also served as Fletcher High School wrestling coach. Brian H. (Amy) Fallon came on board and served as a firefighter and professional soccer coach. Skip and Barbara had numerous grandchildren: Joshua a firefighter, former Marine, and current Florida National Guard Sergeant (Army); Kyrstin is very happily married and living in Oregon; Jessica is living happily in Jacksonville, Florida; Chelsea is a graduate of Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts while her sister, Megan, is a practicing attorney in North Carolina. The Fallon's also have great-grandchildren, of whom they were very proud.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026 in Quinn Shalz Funeral Home Located at 3600 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026 in St. Paul's Catholic Church, Jacksonville Beach. A committal service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Jacksonville National Cemetery with appropriate military honors.

"Now attention: Sailor, you have been properly relieved. Proceed on duty assigned."