LAFAUT, James David

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ May 7, 2007 James David Lafaut, 76, of Tucson, died April 28, 2007, at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born Oct. 21, 1930, to Cyril F. and Helen Rose McGovern Lafaut of Milan, Mich. He was raised most of his young life by his McGovern grandparents and graduated from Milan High School in 1949. He began his career at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Mich. Upon moving to Arizona, he was employed by the General Electric Power Plant. He later was a policeman in Kingman for several years after which he returned to Tucson and became self-employed as the owner of the Smith Brothers Fence Company. He moved to Show Low and worked for the City of Show Low until March 1994. Upon his retirement, he moved to Apache Junction where he owned his own company, Home and Business Repair Service. James returned to Tucson in October 2006. He was an active member of the B.P.O.E. Elks 2090 of Show Low, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Moose of Apache Junction. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He preceded in death by two sons, Randy and Danny LaFaut; wife Mary B. LaFaut of Tucson; and sister Beverly Sherrod of Hale, Mich. He is survived by his beloved Mariam at home; daughter Tammy LaFaut of Tucson; grandsons Evan and Pierce Kobida; granddaughter Tessa Kobida; daughter Vickie and great-granddaughter Kylie Edwardson at home; daughter Bonnie Burson of Casa Grande; sons Dale Hill of Chino Valley and Earl Hill of Show Low; 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and countless friends. A Rosary was cited Saturday, May 5, at the Bring Funeral Home in Tucson. If you wish to honor Jim's memory, donations may be made in his name to the Arizona Elks Major Projects, Youth Camp, or Research Center, P.O. Box 12668, Tucson, AZ 85732.