September 14, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the heavenly transition of James Adam Mahley-Fair, age 62, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who entered eternal rest on Monday, September 14, 2026, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, at 12:29 P.M

James Adam Mahaley Fair, affectionately known as “Jimmy,” was born on Sunday, December 29, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Cleveland Clinic, on a cold winter’s day with snow blanketing the ground. Rachel Ann Mahaley Fair and James Edward Fair welcomed their baby boy as a late Christmas gift. He was not only a joy, but one of his father’s miracle babies.

As his mother’s only child, Jimmy shared an unbreakable bond with both his mom and dad. He was a proud son who loved to boast and brag about his parents.

Jimmy was especially fond of his mom and had several of “Aunt Rachel” accolades to celebrate. One of his proudest moments was likely when she received the Key to the City. He wanted the world to know the love he had for his mom, who became his everything after the profound loss of his father.

Jimmy was most proud of his dad. One of his proudest moments was when “Uncle Ben” moved on up like The Jeffersons and received a promotion with the prestigious Black newspaper, The Call and Post, bringing the family to Cincinnati. Jimmy and his dad remained close until he lost his father at the age of 14. His father’s passing brought challenges that Jimmy had to accept, navigate, and heal from, and he did so the best way he knew how.

Since a very young age, Jimmy was told that he was handsome—a fact he never questioned. With his light caramel, smooth skin, thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, dimpled cheeks, and affectionate smile, he was undeniably handsome.

Jimmy grew up in Silverton as a suburban teenager and became a young man of immense talent. He worked as a community recreational leader and lifeguard. He was a great swimmer—he could swim like a fish. He loved cooking, had a passion for becoming a chef, and could whip up any delicious dish.

With deep faith and unwavering energy, Jimmy brought passion and flavor to everything he did. Known for his incredible style and the effortless way he commanded a room or the skating rink, he was a fashion fanatic and a skating guru. Above all, he had a selfless heart for everyone he loved.

Family was Jimmy’s anchor. He was always stepping up to protect and care for generations of his family. Whenever his mom housed and hosted us, Jimmy was there, too—always present and involved. He even cared for Grandmother Artie, nursing her until she transitioned.

To know Jimmy was to know a great cook and master of desserts; a personable, outgoing man with quick humor; a practical joker and prankster at heart. Jimmy enjoyed all genres of music, but his love for Whitney Houston set his spirit apart. His facial expressions spoke for themselves. He could be mischievous in his actions, then passionate in his reactions, with a demeanor that made James Adam unmistakably himself.

The closest Jimmy came to being a parent was as a loving, committed dog dad. He was a true dog lover who shared a special bond with his current doggy son, Dusty, and his longtime doggy son, Diallo.

In his final days, Jimmy reminded us of his faith, asking for prayers and expressing his love for those closest to him through many texts and calls. While we grieve his missing presence, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, strength, and unconditional love.

We find solace in knowing that he has entered a place beyond pain, resting safely in the arms of the Lord. His memory will live in our hearts forever.

James Adam Mahaley Fair, “Jimmy,” was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Fair, “Ben”; his paternal grandparents, Thomas Jefferson Fair and Maud Fair (Peacock); his maternal grandparents, Robert Mahaley Sr. and Artie Watson Mahaley; all of his cherished aunts and uncles; and a host of cousins, relatives, and close friends.

He leaves to cherish his loving and lasting memory his beloved mother, Rachel Ann Mahaley Fair, the last surviving Mahaley sibling out of ten; his brother, Marcus Ben Fair; his treasured circle of first cousins with whom he grew up close, other generations of cousins, relatives, and close friends.

He will forever be remembered as a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Walker Event Center, 3939 Reading Road (Corner of Reading and Paddock), Cincinnati (45229). Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Mahley-Fair family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Mahley-Fair family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.