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James Michael Fargis, Sr., also known as Mike and Poppa, age 85, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Annie Penn Hospital.
Mike was born in Reidsville, NC on August 19, 1936, to the late James Robert Fargis and the late Leasie Pickrell Fargis. He was predeceased by his only sibling, William (Bill) Fargis. Mike was very proud of Reidsville and worked throughout his life to build it, promote it and make Reidsville a better place to live. On November 4, 1955, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Dixon, and they enjoyed over 66 years of marriage. Together they had four children, Dr. Donna Fargis Helton, and husband, David Lee Helton, of Danville, VA; James Michael Fargis, Jr.; Marie Fargis Martin, CPA, and husband, Michael Eric Martin; and Joel Clark Fargis and wife, Karla Vernon Fargis, all of Reidsville. Mike attended the Reidsville School System and graduated from Reidsville High School in 1954. He was a very hard worker and was a man who “pulled himself up by his boot straps.” He worked three jobs while commuting to Elon College (now University) to earn a degree in Business Administration. His sharp business mind led him to a career as a certified public accountant. Starting in 1957 as an accountant while still in college, Mike worked with Strand, Skees, Jones and Company. Upon graduation, he worked full time, later becoming a partner in the firm. Mike’s strong work ethic was inspired by two of his mentors, Mr. Frank H. Jones, CPA, and Dr. Victor M. Cresenzo, Sr., both of whom encouraged him to work hard and give his best in all he did. He was not only a CPA, but developed and managed real estate in the Reidsville area. In 2001, his daughter, Marie, returned to Reidsville to establish, with him, J. Michael Fargis & Associates, LLP. Mike was actively involved in First Baptist Church throughout his married life. This included teaching children’s Sunday School, singing in the church choir, serving several terms on the Board of Deacons and currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was an active member of the Robinson-Moore Sunday School Class. Mike’s other civic activities included serving as President of the Reidsville Rams Booster Club, President of the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, President of the Reidsville United Way, and an active role with the Reidsville Habitat for Humanity. Near and dear to Mike’s heart was the Reidsville Kiwanis Club. Having joined in January 1961 and serving all offices of the Club, he also served as the Lt. Governor of North Carolina District 7 for Kiwanis and received the Legion of Honor award in 2010 for his 50 years of dedicated service to the organization. In addition to his professional, church and civic activities, he thoroughly enjoyed traveling the United States and Europe with his wife and friends. However, his favorite roles in life were as husband and Poppa. He loved watching band performances, volleyball matches, pageants and baseball games of his grandchildren. Despite his education from Elon, he became a Tar Heel when his children continued their educations at UNC-Chapel Hill. Three of his four children and four of his grandchildren graduated from Carolina. He was very proud to be a Tar Heel born and bred. He also loved the Atlanta Braves, combining several of his favorites – travel, family and the Braves. In fact, he had plans later this month to attend some Brave games with his family.
In addition to his wife and children, Mike is survived by his grandchildren, Gwendolyn Hope Fargis; James Michael Fargis, III; Michelle Helton Jarecki (Sean); Rebecca O’Brian Schroeder (Ethan); Caroline Martin Haga (Trevor); Aubrey Stewart O’Brian; Kristen Martin Chaney (Dillon); Kendell Marie Martin (Trent Draughn); and Clifford Lee Helton. He adored his only great-granddaughter, Merryn James Draughn, and loved watching her grow. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandson, Baby Haga, this Fall.
In Mike’s memory, if you wish, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, July 16, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Reidsville, NC. A private family burial will follow. Visitation with family and friends will be held Friday, July 15, 2022, from 6 pm to 8 pm at First Baptist Church, Reidsville, North Carolina.
Citty Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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