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Celebrating the life of
James Louis Fabrikant, Jr.
September 22, 1941 - April 26, 2020
James Louis Fabrikant, 78, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, April 26, 2020 surrounded by loving family at Ogeechee Area Hospice. The family is grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by the hospice staff and nurses. He was born at Telfair Hospital in Savannah, Georgia on September 22, 1941 to the late James Louis Fabrikant, Sr. and Katherine Jennings Fabrikant. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas Jennings Fabrikant. Jim grew up in Savannah and was a long-time resident of Tybee Island. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Kathleen Burke Fabrikant; his daughters, Katherine LaTrelle Fabrikant Ferrelle (Chas), and Renee Fabrikant; step-children Erin Burke Mendez (Cosmo), Billy Burke (Rachael), Shannon Burke Todd (Elton); ten grandchildren: Ramsey Allen, Charlie Ferrelle, Wyatt Ferrelle, Preston Todd, Madison Todd, Will Burke, Griffin Burke, Owen Burke, Mary Mendez, and Grace Mendez.
Jim spent most of his career in the heating and air conditioning business. He worked at Baker Brothers, Coastal Supply Company, Williams Seafood, and later ran his own business, Fabrikant Service Company on Tybee Island, where he provided HVAC installation on many of the new homes and businesses built in the 1980s and 1990s. Jim was affectionately known by fellow contractors as “Bigfoot.” Additionally, Jim, with his wife Kathie, were instrumental in managing Lighthouse Point Condominiums for 30 years.
During his time on Tybee Island, Jim served his fellow residents as both a council member on the Tybee City Council and as the Police Commissioner. Jim continued his public service by giving Tybee City workers full access to his vast tool collection.
Jim was a man of many talents with an ability to build and fix anything. He spent many hours in his workshop honing those talents with engine repairing, locksmithing, welding, and woodworking.
Jim was a gentle giant with a wonderful sense of humor. A big man with a big heart, Jim will be remembered for his love of family. Jim was happiest with a house full of friends and family, where he would cook enough food for an army and ask everyone to eat more. He had patience for everyone he met and loved to help others. Friends were always welcomed at Jim’s house for coffee, conversation, and hot dogs, even if Jim wasn’t home.
Anyone who knew Jim can attest to his insistence on living life on his own terms. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. All will miss that twinkle in his eye and the grin that let you know he was up to something.
Jim was larger than life and the source of many stories. Please share your stories with Jim’s family, they would love to hear them! Send them to: 3424 Miles Road, Metter, GA 30439. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be kindly accepted by The Fresh Air Home, PO Box 14144, Savannah, GA 31416, where generations of the Fabrikant family have served on the board and volunteered to increase the health and happiness of underprivileged children.
Sorry for your loss. I remember him very well. Rode by our house most everyday in his truck. Always friendly and kind.
- Barney Cannady &Family, Tybee Island, Ga
Jim was everything mentioned in his Obit and more. He always had the ability to solve a situation and calm our frustrations with his sense of humor and ever present smile. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Kathie and the family. He was truly a great man.
- Mali Harrell & Katie Carstens, Decatur, GA
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. (Mr. Fabrikant to us kids) We're sending prayers for peace and comfort to you all!!, ❤️
- Peggy, Robbie & Bubba McAlpin and Erin Brennan, Tybee will always be home, Ga
The obituary really said it all. I am so very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a joy to be around and was always smiling and joking around. He will truly be missed. If I can help in any way please let me know. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Elaine Kitchens, Tybee Island, GA
Heartfelt sympathy to the family. Jim always had a smile on his face & a little Joke. Such a sweet man.
- Patrick & Andrea Padgett, Savannah, Ga
Latrell wand Renee. So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always so kind and had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.
- Angel Hosti King, Tybee Island, Georgia
We are so sorry and wish we could come down to be with you. We are sending our love from Winterville!
- Dodd, Cameron, Dodd Jr., Bliss and Lucas, Winterville, Ga
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a nice person and we have known him for many years. Please know all the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Paul and Terry Jackson, Tybee Island, Ga.
Renee we are so sorry for your loss.
- John and Joy Strickland
Latrelle, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all hugs and prayers.
- Deborah, Savannah, Ga
Praying for you and your family. God bless.
- Ellen and Michael Kilpatrick, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear about your loss. Jim was such a nice man. So glad we had the opportunity to know him.
- Jim and Judy Woods , Savannah , Georgia
Sorry for Jim’s passing, he was always friendly and pleasant, sometimes full of humor! I remember him well standing in the driveway, cigar in hand with his foot propped up on the back of his truck talking to whomever came by! Latrell and Renee I sorry for you loss of a loving dad! Prayers for the family! Nancy and Donnie
- Nancy and Donnie Anderson, Tybee Island , Ga
Jimmy Jr. Was my friend. Not many called him by that name. I was one of the few.
- Randy Ridd, Savannah , Ga
Latrelle and Renee, please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
- Donna Anderson Smith, Savannah, GA
Condolences on the loss of this good, generous and funny ma. “ Bigfoot” will be missed by all. Hugs to you all.
- Virginia Ward, Tybee island, Ga
Kathy - Accept my deepest sympathy over the lost of your beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Michelle
- Michelle Reidel, Statesboro, Georgia
Renee and Latrelle, I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I know he was deeply loved by you and his family. Heartfelt condolences. Prayers for comfort during such a difficult time. Love you.
- Vickie L Gale, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
Kathie, I'm so sorry for your loss of your husband- and Latrelle & Renee I know how much you loved your Dad. Renee was always good at fixing and repairing things around the U.W. office, better than most guys, and she told me that was something she will always be grateful for learning from her Dad. Jim seemed like a mountain of a man with a big, soft heart. Gregg &Mary Schroeder
- Gregory G Schroeder, Savannah, GA
We are deeply sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Belinda Tommey and family, Carrollton, Texas
Thoughts and prayers going up for you Mrs.Kathie and family!! I will really miss calling him for all his knowledge but mostly he always made me laugh!! I didn't know him as long as most but he always treated me like family and he I loved his stories (he could make me blush even over the phone!!) Love you and call or text if you need anything!!
- Tiffany Scott, Savannah, Georgia
I have so many wonderful memories of Big Jim taking care of his “girls” It obvious how much he loved and was so very proud of Latrelle and Renee. He was happy when they brought their friends around and definitely quick with a joke.. always with that famous twinkle in his eye! I felt welcome and part of the Fabrikant family as Jim looked out for us and loved us all. The girlfriends can tell so many happy stories of this great man! Prayers to all for peace and comfort.
- Kim Wodkowski Knox, Greensboro, North Carolina
Renee, my deepest sympathy for you and the family. I know you loved your father very much and enjoyed spending time with him. Prayers for all of you. Sr. Pat Brown
- Sr. Patricia Brown, SAVANNAH, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Jo Robinson, Savannah , GA
Kathy, Bonnie and I always enjoyed running into Jim on our Tybee visits -- he was fun and helpful. Having lost Bonnie 4 1/2 years ago I know a loss such as yours is not easy. My thoughts are with you.
- Larry Pike, Atlanta and Tybee Island, Georgia
God bless Jim and condolences to family. Could not have been a nicer man.
- RICHARD Davis, Savannah, Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Celebration of Life Will Be held at a later date