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James Fay Obituary
Colonel James R. Fay, DMD (ret. U.S. Army) died on May 2, 2016 at age 74. Born in Meriden, Connecticut on June 21, 1941 to Dr. Raymond and Mona Fay. He attended Tufts University in Medford, MA, graduating with a B.A. in English in 1963. On June 19, 1965, Jim married Diane June Sheedy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Meriden, CT, a marriage that lasted 51 years. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA in 1967.
Dr. Fay entered the U.S. Army Dental Corps as a Captain in 1968, with duty assignments at: the Pentagon, a combat tour of duty in Vietnam, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Sam Houston, TX, Clinic Chief 776th Med Det., Baumholder, Germany, Ft. Carson, Colorado Springs, CO, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA, Commander, Dental Activity, Ft. Sheridan, IL, Staff Officer, Health Services Command Fort Sam Houston, TX, Commander 87th Med Det., Nuremberg, Germany, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA, Dental Corps Assignment Officer, PERSCOM, Alexandria, VA, and concluded as Senior Dental Staff Officer, Office of the Surgeon General, Fort Myer, VA. Colonel Fay retired on June 30, 1995 after nearly 28 years of service to his country. His numerous military awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit (with 2 oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Combat Medic Badge.
After retirement from the Army, Dr. Fay worked for Nobel Biocare Dental Implant Company, the City of San Antonio Dental Services, and completed 10 years as Associate Professor at the UT Health Sciences Center-San Antonio Dental School, in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. He enjoyed teaching students who will form the future of dentistry.
Dr. Fay held membership in the American Dental Association, American College of Dentistry, International College of Dentistry, American Association of Endodontists, American Board of General Dentistry (Board Certification), and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD).
Dr. and Mrs. Fay were parishioners at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Fay was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7613. Like his father and son, he was a proud 4th Degree Sir Knight, and served as the Faithful Navigator of Assembly 3018.
Colonel Fay is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane, sister Mary Ellen Fay of Farmington, CT, his daughters Moira (Fay) Koett, and husband Steve, of College Station, TX, and Kathleen (Fay) Thomas, and husband Wayne, of Houston, TX, and his son James M. Fay, M.D., and wife Lisa, of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Meghan Koett of Cypress, TX, and Caroline, Lorelei, and Patrick Fay of Lubbock, TX.
FRIDAY
MAY 6, 2016
ROSARY
11:00 A.M.
MASS
11:30 A.M.
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
1602 THOUSAND OAKS
Monsignor Kevin Ryan officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Fort Sam Houston, TX, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Dallas, TX, or the American Cancer Society, San Antonio, TX.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Fay
Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary North.
Michael Rethman
May 2, 2020
A good man and natural leader. He enriched others' lives, including mine. Godspeed.
766th Med Detatchment. Baumholder, DE. 1974, 1975, 1976
Bob Elliott
February 10, 2018
Dan White
May 30, 2016
I worked with Jim and shared office space for the last 4 years. I learned a great deal of teaching skills from Jim and cherished our moments of sharing "war stories". I miss him but know God had a better plan for Jim.I'll see you again.
Tom & Cheryl Reddy
May 25, 2016
Jim was a treasured colleague & friend, both in the US Army Dental Corps & with Nobel Biocare following our retirement. I sometimes think our primary function when we both held senior staff positions at HSC & OTSG was to act as sounding boards for each other, not to mention when we each had a need to "vent". Jim was the consummate professional - with few equals. As I look back on my military career, it clear that the Jim Fays of this world made it all worthwhile, and if given the opportunity, would have another go at it. Diane, our prayers & thoughts are with you at this time of loss, but we are all better off for having had the chance to spend some time with him in this life.
Jo Andrews
May 23, 2016
Continue to pray for strength for Kathleen, Mrs Fay and family. I did not know him but from the messages he was well thought of by many. You are blessed.
Bob and Rita Augsburger
May 14, 2016
I was blessed to have Jim as a mentor, colleague and friend. Jim had a special wit and an infectious, wry grin, indelible in our memory. We are saddened as we say good bye to Jim. He and Diane and their entire family will remain in our prayers. Love, Bob and Rita Augsburger
Mike Rethman
May 12, 2016
Jim was the consummate professional and still managed to be a great guy. Condolences to his family.
Gary & Sue Allen
May 12, 2016
Memories are a special blessing when families lose someone they love. We hope the memories Diane, Moira, Kathleen, James and the entire Fay family share will fill their hearts and bring them comfort. Jim helped hundreds of military families - including ours - create memories of their own. We are forever grateful our paths crossed. With deepest sympathy, we send you our love and prayers.
Tracy (Long) Eckles
May 8, 2016
Dr. Fay was one of my favorite professors in dental school. I hate to hear of his passing. I learned a lot from him and thank his family for sharing him with us students. And his accomplishments!! Wow. Such a humble man... I never knew what an impressive past he had before coming to UT. He truly left his mark!
Rusty.net League
May 8, 2016
Sincerest condolences on Jim's passing. He was a Brother Knight and a good friend. He reached out to me in my time of health crisis and we spoke a lot about life, friendship, mortality and a loving God. May our God Bless you with the happiest memories of all Jim is and how many folks he touched. Rusty League, San Antonio Tx and 4th Degree Sir Knight (Assembly 3018)
Della & John King
May 7, 2016
Jim gave more than was asked. Della and I send sincere condolences to you Diane and the Fay family.
Everett & Freda Newbry
May 7, 2016
The Dental Corps and Army have lost an exceptional soldier. He will be sorely missed! Diane, our prayers are with you and your family.
DeAnn Ennis
May 6, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
DeAnn, Houston,TX
May 6, 2016
I have known a lot of good men in my life but none better than Jim Fay!! Brent Magness
May 6, 2016
So sorry to hear this Diane. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and your family
Joanne & Tom Rafferty
May 6, 2016
Sorry for your loss Diane, I look back with great appreciation of Jim's friendship and mentoring in my beginning years of dentistry. Dick and Sally Armstrong
Richard & Kathy Shipley
May 6, 2016
I always admired Jim for his professionalism, leadership, and friendship. I always looked up to him as a role model for my own career. The Dental Corps and the Army have lost one of their true leaders and mentors. Kathy and I send our condolences and prayers for the family. Rest in peace, Jim.
Fred Regennitter
May 6, 2016
COL Fay was great mentor and one of best known Dental Corps leaders during my time. He will be missed by all of us.
John Dulski
May 6, 2016
The best Mentor and Commander in my 30 years of service. Brenda and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Fay family.
Joe Connor
May 6, 2016
Jim was a deeply honorable man. I hope that he understood how much that I respected and admired him for for his intellect, sense of humor, dedication to his profession, his deeply religious conviction, and his love for his family. I valued our friendship through the years. I was particularly pleased that we were able to renew our friendship when I began my teaching career at the dental school in 2005. I deeply regret that I will be covering the students in the clinic today. Jean will be there to pay our respect to a truly great man. My condolence to Diane to the family that he loved so well.
Ed Knights
May 5, 2016
Jim was a mentor and friend from the day we met. There are so many of us who served with him or knew him after retirement from the military. All of us owe him a great debt of gratitude for his insight, his guidance, his kindness, and his humor. He was truly one of the finest - in his profession, as an officer and leader, and as a true friend. He will be sorely missed, and remembered often with admiration and a smile. RIP Colonel.
Virginia Salazar
May 5, 2016
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Fay's passing. Dr. Fay was my supervisor when I worked with the City of San Antonio at Ricardo Salinas Dental Clinic. I remember him for "the look" he gave when we said or did something crazy, as if he wanted to laugh but he would just shake his head and walk away. He was a very kind man always ready to teach. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and
Jessica Love
May 5, 2016
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and floss instead. He will forever be missed!
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and
Jessica Love
May 5, 2016
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and floss instead. He will forever be missed!
Dolly Isakson
May 5, 2016
What an impressive obit. A truly accomplished man. I'm sure the world is a better place for having him in it & he will be missed. Dolly Isakson
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and
Jessica Love
May 5, 2016
Mr. Fay and his family are more of an extended family to me. We were stationed with them in Nuremburg, Germany and he use to make us laugh all the time. I still remember how he would never hand out candy on Halloween and would give out toothbrushes and floss instead. He will forever be missed!
Paul Bishop
May 5, 2016
Kathleen, I didn't know your father but he sounds like a great man. I am thankful for men like your Dad that served our country for so many years and thanks to you and your family that made so many sacrifices while he served. I sorry for your loss and may we all have faith and hope in the words "until we meet again".
Steven Hokett
May 4, 2016
Colonel Fay was my first commander in the army while stationed at Nuremberg Germany and I will never forget him. He taught me the value of keeping a smile on your face and taking care of the patient.God bless you, Colonel Fay!
Chuck Wakefield
May 4, 2016
Jim and I ran the baumholder clinic together for 3 years. What great years! After getting to know him, I knew I wanted to do the 2 year AEGD, and it was the right choice. Lots of dinners, volksmarches, he also was my sponsor when I spoke in San Antonio. Wendy and I owe a lot to Jim and Diane. Such great people, and truly great Army family.
Charles Palian
May 4, 2016
Enjoyed working with him at Ft. Carson and running in to him at meetings while he worked with NobelBiocare. My prayers are with him.
Roberta Love
May 4, 2016
Jim and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. He was an avid Volksmarcher along with my family in many interesting towns in Germany. He will be missed for his sense of humor and ready smile.
Bob Webster
May 4, 2016
Very sad news to hear of Jim's passing and loss to his family and friends. It was an honor and pleasure to have known and served in the Dental Corps with Jim and Diane while in Germany and at other various meetings. We shared good times and adventures together while studying and taking the General Dentistry Boards together way back in the Good Old Days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Diane as we share in your loss. Bob and Liz Webster
Jim Bell
May 4, 2016
Loved him and his dry sense of humor
Stacey Offner
May 4, 2016
From your EMC HES Family - we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We're here if you need anything.
GARY WILKE
May 4, 2016
We extend our sadness at the loss of a true friend and dental college, Jim Fay, for we will sincerely miss our get-togethers and friendship. Condolences to Diane and family. Prayers!! Mary & Gary Wilke
Mike Rethman
May 4, 2016
Great guy, condolences to family, God bless him and may he RIP.
Karel Schnebele
May 4, 2016
We are so sorry for your family's loss and are keeping you all in our hearts and prayers.
Kathy, Craig & Megan Addington
May 4, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fay family.
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