James Earl Fain

James “Jim” Earl Fain, 75 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024. 

Born on June 9, 1948, in Cotulla, Texas, he was a son, of the late Betty Jean Wildermuth Fain and Othello “Tex” Durwood Fain. 

Jim grew up in Portage, Indiana where he enjoyed playing many sports including Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. His years at Portage High School included participating on the baseball and football teams, as well as attending “sock hops” where he showcased his many dance moves. He graduated from Portage High School in 1966. After graduation, he joined the Marines and served in Vietnam as a helicopter technician. Jim held the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. Upon return to Portage, Jim began his career at Bethlehem Steel and worked in the steel industry for 42 years. While working 40+ hours at the mill, he attended Purdue University and received an Associate Degree in Applied Science. During his years in Portage, he enjoyed serving in the Portage Jaycees, coaching his daughters’ softball teams, attending Jeff’s baseball, softball games and cross-country events and was a member of the American Legion. Jim also enjoyed playing golf, crabbing, fishing, team trivia and lake vacations with the entire family as well as cruising with his wife, Karen. When recently asked what he considered his greatest accomplishment, he replied, “my family”.

Jim is preceded in death by parents and sister, Judy Olson.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Karen Lustgarten Fain, daughters Cheryl Hilzley (Skip) and Lisa Dempsey, and son, Jeff Fain (Emily), and 8 grandchildren, Lauren, Jake and Luke Hilzley, Brooklynn and Jack Dempsey and Caelyn, Ella Grace and Hailey Fain of Charleston, South Carolina, as well as brother Jack Fain and sister Janet Ling of Portage, Indiana.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 10-11am at McAlister-Smith, James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC followed by a memorial service from 11am-12pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.