Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

James (Poss) Fairchild

James E. (Poss) Fairchild Sr., departed this mortal life on July 1, 2006. He lived a very fulfilling 86 years and 11 months.

Mr. Fairchild was born near Mt. Moriah, in Nevada County, on July 30, 1919. He was the youngest son of Nathan and Rosetta Bennett Fairchild. He was a graduate of Laneburg High School and was a student at Magnolia A&M when the United States entered World War II. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Fort Benning, Ga., and the Aleutian Islands Theatre in Alaska for four years. After the war ended, Mr. Fairchild attended barber and beauty college in New York City. He subsequently returned to Prescott, where he established the Whiz Barber and Beauty Shop on Elm Street. He operate The Whiz continuously for 56 years, until his health forced him to retire in October of 2005. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, as well as numerous other civic and professional organizations.

Mr. Fairchild was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at Central on July 10. Graveside services were held in DeAnne Cemetery.

Mr. Fairchild remained a member of the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant after 40 years of faithful and honorable service to his country. He was accepted into the Masonic Brotherhood and earned his Scottish Rites in Columbus, Ga. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and active member of the Prescott Lodge at the time of his death. He was blessed with a Masonic funeral, led by Grady Hasley and his brother Masons from the Prescott Lodge. He was also rendered full military honors by the U.S. Army.

Mr. Fairchild was preceded in death by his wife, Zelia Ann Westmoreland and one son, Douglas Bryan.

His survivors include two sons, James E. Fairchild Jr. of Hope and Master Sergeant Blake D. Fairchild (Luzviminda) of Chesapeake, Va.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, all of whom will miss him greatly.

Poss was widely known as one of Nevada Countys unofficial historians. His knowledge of local history and genealogy was often requested, and eagerly provided, for both friends and strangers. He cherished all of his friends in Prescott, Nevada County and elsewhere.

Please honor Mr. Fairchild by making a contribution in his memory to the Nevada County Chapter of the American Cancer Society at the Bank of Prescott.

Please send your condolences to the Fairchild Family, 1317 Country Road, Chesapeake, VA, 23324.