Jack Fay

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dr. Jack R. Fay, PhD and CPA, age 80, rests in the Lord. He recently retired as a professor of Accounting and Income Tax at Pittsburg State University. He was preceded in death by his parents Carroll & Georgia Fay (Joplin, MO) & brother, Dr. George Fay (Greeley, CO). He is survived by his cherished wife Dr. Mia Fay, LPC (Joplin, MO) & his brothers Robert Fay (Overland Park, KS) & Richard Fay (Indianapolis, IN) as well as his 3 children: Jeff Fay & wife Jennifer (Washington, DC); soon-to-be-Dr. Jessica Sliger, DDS & husband Brent (Overland Park, KS); & Eric Fay (Johnson, AR). His beloved grandchildren are Garrett Sliger and Natalie Fay.

Jack was a native of Joplin, MO where he grew up and graduated from Joplin High School in 1955. He received three degrees from the University of Arkansas: his B.S. in Business Administration with a triple major in Accounting, English, and PE in 1959, and his Masters in Health & PE in 1960. After coaching sports for several years in Southwest Missouri and in Kansas City, Jack returned to his Alma Mater, the University of Arkansas, earning his PhD in Accounting in 1976. A CPA, he held certificates in Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, & Florida.

Jack held a career in Academia while maintaining a successful private tax & accounting practice. He taught at the University of Arkansas, the University of Alabama̶ ̶ Huntsville, University of South Florida ̶ St Petersburg, Stetson University in Florida, and Pittsburg State University as a full professor and later an Emeritus Professor.

He taught 56 years! Jack also published close to 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Throughout his career he remained active in several professional and community organizations, particularly the American Accounting Association and the American Taxation Association. His book “Accounting Certification, Educational and Reciprocity Requirements ̶ An International Guide” sold thousands of copies throughout the world. He presented his research in many international, national and state tax and accounting conferences.

Jack’s memory will be celebrated by those whose lives his lessons touched, particularly his children. His grace, optimism, humor, compassion, and love remain deeply ingrained in many minds and souls. Rest in eternal peace, sweet champion!

Funeral services will be performed on Tuesday, January 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in the Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 22, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association.