James "Jim" Patrick Fake, 75 years old and living in Altamonte Springs, Florida, passed away on June 28, 2019. He was born in Oakland, California on June 18, 1944 to Esther and Leonard Fake. Jim graduated from St. Mary's College with a B.A. in English and Central Michigan University with an M.A. in Business Management.
Jim was married to Kyung Fake on June 22, 1977. He proudly served 21 years in the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and Vietnam War veteran including 173 combat missions, 98 of those missions were as a Wild Weasel in an F-105. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross on four occasions, Defense Meritorious Service Medal on two occasions, Meritorious Service Medal on two occasions, Air Medal on eighteen occasions, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Gallant Unit Citation, Combat Readiness Medal on two occasions, Vietnam Service Medal on four occasions, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force overseas Ribbon - Long Tour, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and US Air Force Master Navigator Badge.
He worked within international marketing in the private sector before becoming an Air Force Jr. ROTC Instructor. His passion for the Air Force, students, history, and mentorship contributed to him flourishing in his final career and he was grateful for the experience and bonds he created while teaching at Gwynn Park High School (MD), Montclair High School (NJ), and Wekiva High School (FL). He was an avid skier, a history buff, a world traveler and a great husband and father.
He was survived by his wife of 42 years, Kyung, son, Zachary Fake, daughters, Lindsay Pokropski and Jessica Fake, and granddaughter Rowan Pokropski. He also had a close bond with his cat Oreo, but she predeceased him.
A viewing will be held at 1:00 - 3:00pm, July 1, 2019, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home (90 Weathersfield Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714). An Arlington National Cemetery burial for his final place of rest will be held at a later date.
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