James Clifton “Jim” Fann, 100, of Higginsville, died on Saturday, September 27 at the Lafayette Regional Health Center in Lexington.
Jim was born in Belton, Missouri, on August 15, 1925, to the late Raymond R. Fann and late Nellie F. (Taylor) Fann. Jim’s mother died when he was only five and with his father at work, he was raised largely by his older sister and nearby relatives. He dropped out of school early and never attended high school.
Jim joined the army in 1943, qualified as a sharpshooter, and served with the 1395th Engineer Construction Battalion as a truck driver in the Pacific Islands. He often said the army saved him by giving him discipline. He also joked that he spent so much time on kitchen duty that he was promoted to sergeant of the mess hall. He received a medal for good conduct at his discharge from the army in 1946.
Jim married Bessie Goring (deceased) of Higginsville, August 19, 1946. Their marriage produced two sons, James and Raymond. Jim and Bessie were members of the Faith Baptist Church in Higginsville where Jim led singing, taught Sunday school, and served in a variety of offices, including deacon.
Jim worked as an auto assemblyman for the Ford Motor Company until he retired in 1985. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, singing, and playing the guitar.
He is survived by son, James (Holly) Fann of Burnsville, MN; three grandchildren, Christopher, Jamie, and Ray, and two great-grandsons, Jack and Luke. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bessie; one son, Raymond; three brothers, Pete, Bud and Joe; and a sister, Cora.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in the City Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Herbert and Rev. Clif Swanson officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
