James Raymond Faber

James "Jim" Raymond Faber, 87 of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sept. 7, 2025, after a love-filled life of family, faith, education, service and community.

Jim was born March 2, 1938, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Lilian (Zadrazil) Faber. He grew up on the family farm in DeForest, Wisconsin, attended Pumpkin Hollow School, St. John’s in Waunakee and Sacred Hearts Catholic School. He graduated in 1956 from Edgewood Catholic High School in Madison, Wisconsin.

A diehard Badger fan, Jim earned his bachelor’s in agricultural education from the University of Wisconsin and his master’s in agricultural education from Michigan State University. He began his career teaching agriculture in Michigan at Posen High School, and in Jonesville. He taught math and science and was assistant principal at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Hillsdale, and also taught math and science and was assistant principal at Queen’s Catholic School in Jackson.

In 1974, Jim and Mary moved to Battle Creek where Jim was a seventh through ninth grade counselor at St. Philip Catholic School, eventually becoming principal of the elementary school; worked at the Comprehensive Employment & Training Act program (CETA) teaching math, and as director of the Upward Bound program preparing high school seniors for college. He finished his career with ten years at the newly-formed Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity as their first executive director and construction manager. He coordinated many student groups and volunteer groups coming to Battle Creek to lend their time and talents to help rehab or build local homes for families. Upon retiring, he continued to volunteer helping with construction and supporting the family selection process.

In 1962, he served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and was called to active duty serving at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

Jim was a respected leader and an active member of the Battle Creek community. He was a parishioner of St. Philip Catholic Parish where he was active as a reader, lector and eucharistic minister, a member of the church finance committee and the Knights of Columbus. He was a longtime member of the Lakeview Kiwanis, having served several times as president and chairperson of the Outdoor Education Center – where he was often found planting, tilling or working on various outdoor projects. He traveled around the world to build homes in the Jimmy Carter International Work Projects with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering in in South Los Angeles, Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines and Korea.

Throughout his life farming held a special place in his heart. Many knew Jim’s love of gardening, and received bags of tomatoes, asparagus, rhubarb and other fruits and vegetables.

Jim and his wife, Mary Jane Lacy, were high school sweethearts at Edgewood High School. They were married on Aug. 13, 1960, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison, Wisconsin and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; their children Tim (Marilu) Faber of New Albany, Ohio; Joan (Dave) Jaconette of Kalamazoo; Kathy (Scott) Reincke of Marshall; and Tom (Mary) Faber of Battle Creek; six grandchildren: Nick (Heather) Reincke, Gennie Faber, Ryan (Kailee) Reincke, J.T. Faber, Julia Faber, Alex Jaconette and two great grandchildren Ian Reincke and Haven Reincke; a sister, Barbara Ann (Patrick) Tallman of Ames, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Hertha Faber and Fran Lacy; along with special cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert J. Faber and two grandchildren, Sydney Marie Faber and Lacy Jane Faber.

The family of Jim Faber would like to extend deep appreciation for all those who provided his care during the past several months, especially the staff of the Legacy at the Oaks.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care where a time of sharing will follow at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. James Richardson at St. Philip Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Philip Catholic Church Restoration Fund, Lakeview Kiwanis or Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Jim may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.