James R. Fahey, 73, Retired Chicago Fire Dept. Chief of Personnel, died Tuesday, Feb. 8. Mr. Fahey joined the Fire Dept. in 1954 after serving in the Coast Guard. He progressed quickly through the ranks becoming (at the time) the youngest Lieutenant to date in 1960. Tutored by his lifelong friend, the late Chief Jack McCarthy, he made Captain in 1965 and later Battalion Chief of the 29th Battalion. He retired in 1985 as Chief of Personnel. Mr. Fahey was a dedicated fireman and charismatic leader. Jim was the beloved husband and best friend of Helen, nee Schultz; loving father of James (Carole), Timothy, Daniel, Thomas (Kathleen), Kathryn (Robert) Howard and Joseph (Jill); proud grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of one; son of the late James and Thelma, nee Stuart; fond brother of Gail (Rudy) Cizmar, John (Carol), Suzanne (Gary) Orler and the late Patricia (Robert) McKale. Funeral Monday 8:45 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, to St. Christina Church, 111th and Christiana, Chicago. Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Assn., 4709 Golf Rd., Skokie, IL 60076. Info, 708-636-1193 .
