Jim Fast

James Marion Fast, age 82, of Lamar, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at his home following a long illness.      Jim was born May 7, 1933 near Iantha, Missouri, the second of four children of Monte Cristo and Alice (Miller) Fast.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Fast; a sister, Patricia Johnson; a son, James Allen Fast; and his father and mother in-law, Earl and Imogene Salow.      Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for twelve years and Army National Guard for an additional six years.  His military training prepared him well for the challenges he later faced as a Dallas Police Officer. Jim had also worked in high-rise construction in Dallas and completed his working career with thirty-five years in U.S. Postal Service.  While living in Texas, Jim shared his strong Christian faith with many and was very active in church bus ministry.      On April 15, 1992, at Miami, Oklahoma, Jim married Beverly (Salow) Foree and she survives, of the home.  Also surviving are his daughter, Joanne (Jerry) Clark, Royse City, Texas; a step-son, Toby (Chandra) Powell, Neosho; a brother, Jerry (Pauline) Fast, Branson, Missouri; six grandchildren, Mallory Rae Powell and Ariel Patricia Powell, Neosho, Justin Shane Cooksy, Kaufman, Texas, Daniel Christian Clark, Chilliwack, Canada, Kenny Clark, Wylie, Texas, and Kristie Perman, Forney, Texas; ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  He enjoyed the fellowship of a large extended family and was especially close to his nephew, Kevin (Dawn) Fast, Kansas City, Missouri; nieces, Alisa (Kevin) Hudson, Hayden, Idaho and Karen (Kurt) Hardcastle & daughter, Maddie of Kansas City, Missouri; brother-in-way, Terry (Tiffney) and Salow and their son Victor.      A graveside committal service including military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 14th at Barton City Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Joplin Humane Society or Hospice Compassus, both in care of Daniel Funeral Home.