James Henry Fariss

James Henry Fariss passed away on May 2, 2024, at IU Health Hospice House. Born on May 4, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, Jim was the son of Ethel (Robertson) Fariss and O.C. Fariss. At a very early age his family moved to Princeton, West Virginia where he grew up. Princeton provided an idyllic small-town setting for a boy growing up in the 1950’s and he retained wonderful memories of his friends and experiences there for the rest of his life. When Jim was 17, his father accepted a job in Chicago and moved the family to Munster, Indiana. Although Jim went kicking and screaming, he has credited that move with opening his eyes to new experiences that informed the rest of his life. Another benefit was the closeness that came with his younger brother, Bill. They became best friends and that lasted throughout his life. Jim graduated from Hammond High School in 1961 and made a few attempts at college before taking a job with the Santa Fe Railroad offices in Chicago. When his brother was leaving for Bloomington to attend IU, Jim decided to go with him and give higher education another try. This time it worked, and he obtained a BA in American History and a master’s degree in Folklore. After completing his education, Jim returned to the business world, spending 30 years working as a director for the Office of the Treasurer at Indiana University. After retiring from IU, he worked for another 15 years as a vice-president for RMS-Recovery Management Services, Inc., based out of Warrenville IL, finally retiring for good in 2015. It was during his time as a student at IU that he met another student, Linda (Mullis), when they both worked at the Biology Library. They married after Linda graduated from IU in 1973 and spent more than 50 years together, sharing the joys and challenges that life brings. After 22 years of marriage, at the ripe old age of 52, Jim experienced the joys of fatherhood when daughter Katie was born. Jim said that the greatest times of his life were spent with Linda and Katie. He took great pleasure in introducing her to his love for books, music, and travel and he especially loved spending time with her on their many road trips. She was his greatest joy, and he was so proud of the woman she has become. Recently, Jim learned, to his great surprise, that he had another daughter, Jami. He was so grateful to get to know her through their weekly phone calls and share the stories of his family that he held so dear. Jim was stubborn, outspoken, and occasionally gruff, but most importantly he was also intelligent, kind, loving, generous, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He loved travel; reading; music, mostly folk and western (not to be confused with country and western) by artists like Ian Tyson and Tom Russell; movies, both good and not so good; and juvenile humor. He loved the American southwest and had a particular fondness for Taos, New Mexico, a “magical place” in his eyes. Following Linda’s retirement, they were able to enjoy multiple trips to Italy and Ireland. Jim especially loved all things Irish - the people, culture, and history. Every Christmas morning the family was awakened by the Clancy Brothers belting out their version of Jingle Bells throughout the house! Above all, Jim cherished his family the most. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda (Mullis) Fariss; daughter Katie Fariss (partner Skylar Delk) of Milwaukee, WI; daughter Jami Royal Berry (husband Frank, daughters Dory and Mia) of Covington, GA; brother William Fariss of Michigan City, IN; brothers-in-law, James Mullis of Largo FL and Larry Mullis of Bloomington. He is also survived by his first born and beloved niece Jennifer (Fariss) Long (Jason) of Griffith, IN and, through his marriage to Linda, he was blessed with niece Shelly (Mullis) Banks (Jeremy) of Bloomington, nephews Brad Mullis of Bloomington, Randy Moonshower (Shelly Carnes) of Indianapolis, Scott Moonshower (Ashley) of Scottsdale AZ, and Jimmy Mullis (Jennifer) of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Bill and Pauline Mullis; and two sisters-in-law, Suzy Mullis and Harriet Mullis. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the nurses and techs of the IU Health Bloomington Hospital Infusion Center for their kindness and compassion to both Jim and Linda. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at the IU Health Hospice House. Per his request, there will no funeral service. If you are so inclined, raise a glass (rye old fashions were his favorite but anything will do) and toast a life well lived. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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James Henry Fariss

May 4, 1943 - May 2, 2024