James Dean Fiske Sr.

James Dean Fiske, Sr. was born in Hayden, CO on March 8, 1947, to John and Roberta Fiske.  Jim departed from his earthly home on Nov. 15, 2020, making his age 73 years 8 months and 7 days.  He is now rejoicing in Heaven with all the people he loved and lost.  Jim was united in marriage to Pamela Lauderdale on March 1, 1969. They spent 51 years loving each other and to this union, two children were born: Lori and Jimmy.

Jim grew up in the mountains of Colorado with his parents and four brothers.  His dad would often sing about “that little house on the forty in the snow” where the boys would spend their time working, playing and getting into all kinds of mischief.  Jim was baptized on June 24, 1960, at the Hayden Church of Christ.  He later moved to Missouri with his parents and his three brothers to be closer to his brother, Tom. He and his family attended the Summersville Christian Church. He would return to Colorado for many years for elk hunting with his family and friends.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy for four years as an aviation electrician during the Vietnam War. He took great pride in this service to his beloved country. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Pam, and they returned to Summersville, MO.  Jim provided for his family working in the log woods. Jim and his brothers owned Fiske Brothers’ Logging. Jim loved those years working with his brothers and treasured the memories of getting together with his brothers on Friday evenings to “figure” and spending Sunday afternoons visiting with his parents.  He especially loved listening to his dad and brother, Johnny, as they played music. Jim later provided for his family as an over-the-road truck driver. He had several adventures during his years as a truck driver but was always anxious to get back home. Jim looked forward to every summer when Pam was able to go on the truck with him so they could travel the country together. Jim was most proud of working in the woods with his son, Jimmy and grandsons. He led by example to instill the importance of hard work, faith in God, and placing family first.

Jim and Pam loved raising their children, visiting friends and family, and later attending the grandchildren’s sporting events. His family was what mattered most to Jim. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved taking them to church, having them in the woods with him while he was working, taking them hunting, or just spending time with them at home. He would tell anyone that would listen about Alaina going to college, Trey’s sports, Noah’s hunting, Rebekah’s passion for horses, and Joshua's love for logging. He was the best Papa in the world.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Roberta Fiske, three brothers, Don, Tom, and Johnny Fiske, one sister, Darlene Thacker, and son-in-law Jeff Baker. He is survived by his wife Pam of the home, daughter Lori (Chad) Baker-Montgomery, son, Jimmy Fiske, six grandchildren Alaina Baker, Trey Fiske, Noah Fiske, Rebekah Fiske, Joshua Fiske, and Adam Montgomery, one brother Gene (Beverly) Fiske, sisters-in-laws Jeannie Fiske, Helen Fiske, and Cindy Goforth, brother-in-law Steve Thacker,  two cousins who were like brothers, Lem Kitchens and Bud Losh and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces, great-nephews, family and friends, all who loved him very much.

Work and family were Jim’s life. He will be remembered as a hard-working, dependable man who never knew a stranger. He was quick to give others the benefit of the doubt and encouragement when needed. He was often heard saying, “Keep your chin up,” when anyone he cared about seemed sad. No doubt that is the advice he would give his loved ones today if he could. He will be forever missed by his family and all who knew him.