Obituary of James A. Fardink

James A. "Jim" Fardink, 81, formerly of Ashville, died Tuesday January 30, 2018, in the Lutheran Retirement Home. He was born at home in Ashville, January 31, 1936, a son of the late John and Myrtle Whiting Fardink, Sr. He graduated from Chautauqua High School and then proudly served in the US Air Force. Prior to his retirement he was employed by Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant as a fuel test analyst. In his younger days he owned and operated the gas station in Ashville, was a mechanic at Berglund Chevrolet and service writer at Ed Shults Auto. Jim was a carburetor guru. Many local race track champions owe their success to Jim's knowledge and skill. If Jim couldn't fix it, it couldn't be fixed. He worked with legendary race teams like Fred Knapp, Skip Furlow, Bob Schnars and Floyd Fanale just to name a few. Jim and Fred Knapp raced at the Daytona 500 once many years ago and described it as a thrill of a lifetime. Jim and his son also raced at Stateline Speedway for a few years using the same #34. He was a past member of Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion. Surviving are two children Terry Lair of Jamestown and Jeffrey (Mary) Fardink of Ashville; three grandchildren Joshua Lair, Brian (Kate) Fardink and Lisa (Justin) Bellardo; four great grandchildren Mallory Bellardo, Lillyan Lair and Aiden and Tessa Fardink; a sister Alice (Gene) Hulings of Ashville and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Janice Simmes Fardink, who died June 20, 2017; a brother Jack Fardink and a sister Betty Card. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ashville. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service Saturday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Chautuaqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.