James H. Fauske

10/18/42 – 2/1/21

Lt. Col. James (Jim) H. Fauske passed away peacefully at home on 2/1/21. Jim was born on 10/18/1942 in Northwood, ND, to Rev. Sigvald Fauske and Iylla (Pettis) Fauske. When Jim was a boy, he loved hunting, training his dogs and sports, but, under his mom’s watchful eye, he learned to play the piano. Jim graduated from Forest City High School (IA) in 1960 where he was an outstanding athlete lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track (javelin/shot put) and often reminded his friends that he also won the fastest typing award. While his father was President of Waldorf Junior College, now Waldorf University (Forest City, IA), Jim attended and was President of the Men’s Student Council. He was selected for Junior College All American Football in 1962. Jim met Ann Harlan, his first wife and mother of Kimberly and Christopher, at Waldorf. He received a football scholarship to University of Colorado, and they moved to Boulder, CO. He graduated in Political Science in 1965. Jim was planning to further his studies in international law but decided to join the USAF with a guaranteed pilot training slot.

Jim flew the F4 Phantom during 3 tours in Viet Nam: Night Owl Squadron in Ubon, Fast FAC out of Korat and Strike, Fighter and Escort missions from Takhli. He was USAF Top Gun Air to Ground in 1974. From 1974 to 1976, he flew the Mirage while serving as an exchange officer with the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition to regular duties, he flew in two man acrobatic airshows, and his football skills translated into playing rugby with a local Australian team.

In 1977, he was assigned a “desk job” at Langley AFB, Hampton, VA. In 1980, he was in the first class of pilots to fly the F16 at Hill AFB, Layton, UT. Jim continued to excel in flying, and, in 1982, he helped organize a Bombing Competition between a British Harrier pilots and American F16 pilots. The US won. Back at Hill AFB, he married Janice Lindsey and later welcomed their daughter Dena. Jim was instructor to Pakistani pilots in preparation for Pakistan’s acquisition of F16s. Jim and another pilot delivered the first F16’s to Pakistan where President Zia greeted them, and they were honored with a military parade and tour of the country. He was awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross as well as a number of Air Medals for his outstanding service in the USAF.

Upon leaving the USAF 1985, Jim was briefly a pilot instructor for Egypt and their newly purchased F16s. He then became a pilot for Delta Airlines, flying the 727, 737, and 757 on both domestic and international flights. He later was a flight instructor on the 737. He retired from Delta in 2001.

When Jim wasn’t flying, he was an avid alpine skier and had a passion for boating. In UT, Jim, family and friends spent time on Lake Powell every summer for over 20 years. After moving to FL in 2002, Jim and Janice competed in many local Florida sailing races, including the race to Isla Mujeras, Mexico 2004/5, which they won once overall and once in catamaran class. Jim was diagnosed with NonHodgkins Lymphoma in 2006. After the diagnosis, Jim and Janice decided to pursue their dream of cruising. From 2006 -2012, they cruised the Bahamas and the Caribbean all the way to Trinidad, leaving the boat to return for his treatments. From 2012-2016, they switched to a power cat and cruised Florida and Georgia Intercoastal waterways. Between boat trips and treatments, Jim and Janice traveled several times to Europe and Canada, often on river cruises or small ships.

From 2006 to 2021, Jim underwent numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, including a stem cell transplant in 2017. He fought long and hard to stay healthy enough to enjoy life, which he did to the fullest as long as he was able. In Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan talks about loving life: " . . . if I were struck by every horror of man's disillusionment--still I should want to live, and, having tasted of the cup, I would not turn away from it till I had drained it." Jim drained it and had a refill.

Jim maintained regular contact with many of his military and Delta colleagues, American, Australian and Pakistani, who became very close friends over the years. He made several close boating friends who also stood by him in the good times and in his illness. Jim was admired for his courage, amazing wit and continually positive attitude. His distinctive laugh was infectious. Jim loved his children and grandchildren dearly and was very proud of them. Likewise, Jim was well loved and respected by family and his many friends. Salute to all those who loved and supported him from both far and near.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother David Fauske, brother Daniel Fauske, sister Naomi Evans, brother-in-law John Evans, and his mother-in-law Elizabeth Lindsey. Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janice, his children Kimberly Fauske (Steve Ellis), Christopher Fauske (Maaria Franzen Fauske), Dena Fauske (Nick Petta) and three grandchildren, Laura, Greta, and Hanna Hanson, Kimberly’s children. He is also survived by his brother Paul Fauske (Christine), two sisters-in-law Betty Fauske (David) and Elaine Fauske (Daniel), father-in-law John Lindsey, brother-in-law Ronald Lindsey (Cheryl) and 14 nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Lymphoma and Leukemia Society or the United Services Organization (USO). The family is planning a military funeral at Sarasota a National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be placed online at Kays, Ponger, Uselton Funeral and Cremation Services. Because Jim’s family and friends are scattered across the country/globe and travel is challenging now, the family asks them to remember a “Fauske” story and make a toast on May 31, 2021, Memorial Day.