Jay Nicholas Fairbanks

Jay Nicholas Fairbanks Birthplace: Kansas City, KS; Birth-date: May 25, 1952 Jay Nicholas Fairbanks, 67, of Picayune, Mississippi passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Jay was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Elliott A Fairbanks and Belva Dawn Edwards. Jay is survived by his loving wife Delvenia Nadine, mother Belva Dawn, brothers Paul E (Jetta) Fairbanks, Matt T (Lisa) Fairbanks, and Jon Paul (Amy) Fairbanks, sisters Claudia (Dale) Larson and Cindy (Clark) Atwood, daughters Katrina (Greg) West (3 grand-children, with the oldest Ayana graduating early from Keuka College, awarded National Society of Leadership and Success), Caroline (Carl) Critchfield (4 grand-children), Katherine (Kevin) Smith (5 grand-children), Rebekah (Will) Gruel (10 grand-children, with the oldest Gideon recently called as a missionary to Chili), Julie (Scott) Porter (4 grand-children), Elizabeth (Daniel) Roberts (4 grand-children), sons Stephen (Lori) Fairbanks (3 grand-children), Hyrum (Brie) Fairbanks (3 grand-children), Joseph Fairbanks, and Jay (Kassie) Fairbanks Jr. (2 grand-children), for 10 children and 38 grandchildren. Jay experienced severe social anxiety and times of depression throughout his entire life; however, he prayed earnestly in faith for the strength necessary to overcome his weaknesses. He believed the promise made in Ether 12:27: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Because of Jay’s faith in God, he knew that regardless of his human weakness he would be made equal to the task in front of him. Jay excelled in many of his life’s pursuits: as a Cub Scout a very inquisitive and delightful child with keen mathematical intuition, as a Boy Scout he was a leader and the first Eagle in the Long Island NY Stake, as a musician, was an accomplished French Horn virtuoso. He had a brilliant mind. He and his brother took a college math class together, where his brother struggled, but Jay pulled an A-grade without even cracking the book! Professionally, he rose to management status at Jacobs Engineering (Construction Electrical, Safety, Warranty Manager) and at NASA (Electrical Field Manager) was a trusted manager, associated with complex Wind Tunnel Technology. Jay was honored to be the construction manager that was part of the NASA A3 Project Team that completed the last shuttle at NASA Stennis Space Center (June 13, 2013). Jay was born to a family of talent, high-energy and very well respected within the community as well as within the church. The Fairbanks have a long heritage as temple artists (murals and sculpture) within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the restored Christian Gospel. Given the middle name of Nicholas after Nicolas G Morgan, a Salt Lake City philanthropist who was a promoter of the arts and close friend to the family. Nicolas helped both Avard T and Elliott A in their artistic pursuits. He adored the many pieces of art sculpted by his grandfather, Avard T Fairbanks. His favorite of his grandfather’s sculptures was the life-size bust of Jesus Christ, titled “The Compassionate Christ”.  Jay was born from pioneer stock, whose ancestors came across the plains and into the Salt Lake Valley – being driven out of Kirkland Ohio, Missouri and later Nauvoo, Illinois. Jay was a church leader and teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, being highly trained during his youth. He was taught at a young age the scriptures, with special focus on understanding the fullness of the Gospel - taught within the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. His love for and knowledge of the Book of Mormon continued to progress all his life. His favorite calling within his ward was teaching from the scriptures. After entering the nursing home several years ago, he continued to teach his Book of Mormon class, with many members of his ward traveling to the nursing home to attend his class. Jay lived his life and taught others with conviction as he was led by the Holy Ghost. Jay’s favorite quote is one by the Prophet Joseph Smith, “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves”. He often shared this quote with his wife as they counseled together and reflected on their wonderful children. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Boy Scouter, Friend, and Teacher, and a well-respected Engineer and Manager.  His early youth involved living briefly in the West, and then New Jersey and New York. As a young boy he was nourished in the gospel, following the Primary and Scouting Programs. He excelled in Boy Scout Leadership and was Staff at Camp Allamuchy where he played the bugle and led younger scouts. He hiked the 50 mile Jocky-Hollow Trail (Revolutionary War), part of the Appalachian Trail. As a Marching Band member he had a most mellow tone, and beautiful melody French Horn. He went to Expo ’67 and the New York World’s Fair (1968). He attended Brigham Young University and faithfully served a mission to Taiwan, where he mastered Chinese Language. Jay and his beloved wife Delvenia met in Buffalo, NY. Soon thereafter, they were sealed in the Palmyra NY Temple for time and eternity. Together their greatest joys in life came from exercising their faith in God, serving their children and grandchildren, and also serving their brothers and sisters within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. So now we commit Jay Nicholas Fairbanks to the spirit world, to be with his Father Elliott A, who has long awaited our coming and return to our Father in Heaven. Please visit with your long-lost family relations, who have preceded us in this life, and who set the standard of strong gospel living, members and pioneers of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Go to your resurrection of the just, as a faithful Son of God, purified through the atonement of our Savior, as well as our life experiences of challenge, sorrow and even joy. Farewell for a season, to the spirit world, ‘till we meet at Jesus feet again as beloved family members, awaiting our return to the Father.