William James Fanning

IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY. "JIM' WAS DEFINITELY A GENTLEMAN OF THE GAME OF BASEBALL. HE TRULY IMPACTED THE LIVES OF THE PLAYERS THAT HE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH. HE WAS ONE OF THE PILLARS THAT PLAYED AND INSTRUMENTAL PART IN THE SUCCESS OF THE MONTREAL EXPOS DURING THEIR EARLY YEARS. WE WERE PRIVILEGED TO HAVE KNOW JIM FANNING FOR MANY YEARS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS. MAY YOU HAVE ETERNAL REST AND PEACE . "R.I.P. DIAMOND JIM" MR. AND MRS. ANDRE DAWSON & FAMILY

Dear Marie, Frank and Cynthia, my deepest sympathies go out to each of you. I will be thinking of you guys during this difficult time.

Dear Marie, Frank and Cynthia: Although we know that Jim has passed on to his eternal reward, we were saddened by the news of the death of your devoted, loving husband and affectionate father and our precious brother in the faith. We remember the many times he called on “Father’s Day” to give greetings. I (Dan) am happy that I was able to speak and pray with him on the phone just a couple of weeks ago. We extend to you our deepest sympathy and pray that God will bless you and keep you in this your hour of sorrow. Daniel and Angie Ippolito

We have so many wonderful memories of Jim as our friend and brother-in-law.He was a kind and generous person. He will always be remembered with love. Comfort and peace to Marie, Cynthia and Frank. With much love Rosanna and Bob.

Marie, Cynthia and Frank: Thinking of you during this difficult time. May the support of family and friends bring you peace and comfort. With our deepest condolences, Kathie, Lindsay and Chelsea

Dear Maria, Frank, and Cynthia, Tim and I were so sad to read of Jim's passing. Jim was a special friend, teammate, and colleague to my dad, Ralph Rowe, throughout both of their baseball careers, as well as friend to my mother, Ethel, and to Tim and I. Jim and Daddy played together in the Cubs minor league system for the 1950 Rock Hill Chiefs, and 1952 Springfield Cubs, where they were also roommates. Their friendship lasted until my dad's death in 1996, where Jim delivered a beautiful and heartfelt eulogy. At one point during his eulogy the speakers in the church crackled and pop, and Jim, without missing a beat said, "that sound was the ball coming off the bat for another Ralph Rowe double." His presence at the funeral meant the world to my mom and me and my family and was just another example of the generous, and loving nature of Jim. In 1984, Daddy and Jim reunited on the baseball field when Jim asked him to be the Expos instructional and minor league spring training hitting coach. Daddy loved working with and for Jim, and enjoyed working with the talent Jim was so good at finding, Larry Walker being one of those players. It was also during their Expo years the my mom and dad got to know Maria, whom they both adored. Tim and I were also fortunate to be recipients of Jim's loving nature and generosity. In 1981 when he was managing the Expos they played in Atlanta where we were living. He called Daddy and told him to have us call him so he could leave us tickets. We did, and when we were talking on the phone he told me to come down to the clubhouse after the game. When I asked how we would get by security he told me that he would tell security his daughter was coming down to meet him. Well, we went down, and what a huge treat for me, Tim and our friends, to meet him and other Expo players. It is a joyful memory Tim and I talk about all the time. I share that because as sad as I was Sunday when I read the news I thought of that story and it brought a smile to my face. I know there will be sadness for your loss of Jim but I pray that the joyful, loving memories will sustain and flood you with warmth, as they do for those of us whose hearts he touched. God Bless you all.

Maria, Cynthia and Frank, you can't begin to imagine how our hearts broke when we heard the news of Jim. We can just imagine the hurt you all felt, we are with you at this time of need. The memories we have of us all together will forever be etched in our hearts. Jim was the epitome of a husband, a father and a friend to many of us. We are so glad we were able to attend Jim's 87th birthday last September, and the time we spent together when you came to Montreal last summer. We want you to know that we love you and think of you constantly. Our deepest condolences, Joe, Maria, Vanessa and James

Maria, Cynthia and Frank, you can't begin to imagine how our hearts broke when we heard the news of Jim. We can just imagine the hurt you all felt, we are with you at this time of need. The memories we have of us all together will forever be etched in our hearts. Jim was the epitome of a husband, a father and a friend to many of us. We are so glad we were able to attend Jim's 87th birthday last September, and the time we spent together when you came to Montreal last summer. We want you to know that we love you and think of you constantly. Our deepest condolences, Joe, Maria, Vanessa and James

Dearest Marie, Cynthia and Frank. We both want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have so many fond memories of the special times we all had together. Jim truly was a remarkable man who was the epitome of class. Always kind and considerate to anyone who was fortunate enough to have met him, Jim will surely be missed by all who loved him. I always considered myself very lucky to have had Jim as part of our family. Thank you, Marie for sharing Jim with us and we love you very much.

Merci Vous, Jim for everything you did for the entire Montreal Expos family. You are so beloved and are going to an even better place. No question about it. You are a main reason why I loved Nos Amours so much.

Dear Marie, Cynthia and Frank, Our hearts were saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband and father. We pray that the God of all comfort may strengthen you and carry your through this difficult time. We're praying for each of you. Sincere condolences. David & Lena

Dear Auntie Marie, Cynthia & Frank We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim will be dearly missed by so many and has left a huge impression on so many lives. Stephen always speaks so highly of his memories of Uncle Jim and everything he taught him about baseball, the stories and the time he spent with him. I will always remember Uncle Jim as a true gentleman. He was kind and compassionate. One memory is that when we returned from our honeymoon we were at a family dinner shortly after and Uncle Jim took a picture of us. He took the time to develop it (a film camera!) enlarge it and mail it to us. It's one of my favourite pictures and hung in our house for the last ten years. Uncle Jim, you obviously left a big legacy in your field of expertise but more importantly you left a legacy in your family and those you loved. We love you! Marie Cynthia and Frank we will continue to pray for you that the Lord will comfort you now and in the months ahead.

Dear Maria, Cynthia and Frank, we are saddened and sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We remember with fondness the times we shared with you all in St. Lazare. Jim's absence is huge. In your sorrow may you find comfort knowing that Jim touched and changed so many lives, in and outside of baseball. He was an excellent husband, father, friend and faithful witness. He is in his true home now and we will see him again one day. May God comfort your family in this time of loss and pain.

Cousin's Marie,Cynthia and Frank, It was always a privilege to say that ''Jim married our cousin Marie''and therefore became an official member of the ''Malandra'' family.His integrity and kind spirit and thoughtfulness where a trademark of him.It was always special to talk baseball with Gentleman Jim.His speech at our son's wedding was a real treat.The being proud of our cousin Mr.Expo, hit an all time high. Last summer we met for lunch and he presented me with an autographed picture of he and John McHale unveiling the EXPO'S logo and design in December 1968.This picture,along with a signed baseball hold a special spot on our fireplace mantle,and always will.It was an honour to know you ''COUSIN JIM''. Marie,may God continue to sustain you and the kids during this difficult time.Our prayers are with you.

Dear Maria, Cynthia and Frank, Our family sends most sincere and heartfelt condolences for your very sad loss. We will always treasure our memories of the many wonderful times we shared with Jim...in Calgary, Montreal and at Spring Training in Florida. Jim was truly a 'special' person, with a 'special' place in our hearts. We are grateful to have had the honor and privilege of his friendship for these many years.

The little we knew of Jim, was top drawer. He was welcoming, polite, kind and humble. The world, baseball and his family will miss him because he was a genuine person.

It seems like yesterday that I would meet Jim as he came by the school to pick up his children, Cynthia and Frank. He had time for everyone and a kind word as well.557 How quickly I learned what special parents Jim and Maria were and how involved they were as parents. Cynthia was in my grade one class and she left an endearing footprint in my memory. Maria, Cynthia , and Frank....God bless. P.S. Maria...the obituary was a beautiful tribute. Hugs Lynne and Bob

Dear Maria, Cynthia and Frank, It is with great sadness that I learned of Jim's passing. He was a special person and I was fortunate to have known him. Maria, I have many fond memories of our times together. Cynthia and Frank, I hope that your good memories will help to sustain you during this most difficult time. Fondly, Marcia

To the Fanning family On behalf of the Cedar Rapids Baseball Club Board of Directors and Hall of Fame, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time. We are thankful that Jim was a part of our baseball family from his days with the Braves and that we were able to honor Jim with induction into our Hall of Fame. It was a delight to meet him in person after hearing many accolades about him over the years. He is remembered by many in our community and it was great to see him renew friendships at the Hall of Fame event. He had the fantastic ability to remember them and treat each of them as if they were his fondest friend. Thank you for sharing Jim with us and may God Bless all of you. He is a higher place now and we are sure he's managing the best baseball team in Heaven.

Dear Maria and family, our heart is grieved during these difficult moments for you. We are praying that the glory of the Lord will continue to be manifested upon your family. We know you are going through difficult times but rest assured that God is in control. When we think of Jim, there so many things we recall, but the best way to sum it all up is that we always remember him as Mr. Baseball. His charm, his warmth, his great personality will surely be missed by us and those who knew him. We think back especially at his story telling at our 25th wedding anniversary. He captivated everybody's interest and attention with his dynamic speech. What a unique character, a real gentleman! Needless to say, he was for sure an icon for the baseball fans. May the wonderful memories shared with Jim bring you comfort and may you treasure every moment spent in his company. We love you! Elise & Rocco

Dear Maria & family, It is with great sadness that I learned of Jim's passing. I will always remember Jim fondly and feel lucky that I had the pleasure of knowing him. Please accept my deepest condolences.

(Donated to Compass Community Church)

(Donated to Compass Community Church)

(Donated to Compass Community Church)

(Donated to Compass Community Church)

(Donated to Compass Community Church)

Jim was a true gentleman and I will always remember his kindness and generosity of spirit. Jim always took time to smile and say hello to everyone he encountered. I will never forget the times we just sat and talked baseball. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with his family. Rob and Andrea Faulds

My condolences to the Fanning family on their loss of such a sweet loving man. I met Jim but once in Montreal North at The Dalgleish home & he truly was a gentlemen Jim. May u find pence in this your time of sorrow & know in your hearts that Jim has joined OUR LORD. He was such a big part of the Expo heritage & we thank u for sharing him with us all!

Maria, Cynthia and Frank: I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your amazing husband, father and my friend Jim Fanning. I first met Jim in 1975 at Parc Jarry and for the next 20 years saw him regularly at baseball games. In the early 1990's he came to speak at the Belleville Sales and Advertising Club. After the formal evening was over we spent a few hours sharing wonderful memories together. In 2010, I reconnected with Jim in Cooperstown at the induction ceremony of Andre Dawson. We were in the friends and family section together. In 2013 I returned to Canada to help my aging parents 87/85. I attended the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame breakfast in London and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Jim was now a resident of London. It was an honour to see what such high regard and respect that Jim received by his fellow inductees on how Jim had impacted there lives. In March 2014 there I was surprised by Jim holding court with Ellis Valentine and author Jonah Keri at McLeans Pub in Montreal and finally back up in the pressbox at Stade Olympique . What a wonderful three innings I treasure having sat with a lifetime of knowledge beside me. My final meeting with Jim was last June when our mutual friend Tim Wallach was honored by the CBHOF. The mutual admiration bestowed upon each other was a privilege to witness. The stories could have only been told by the greatest evaluator of talent that Canadian baseball ever knew. Epitaph on a Base-Ballist by Anonymous This is a terrific poem written by an anonymous author believed to have been first published in 1872. The poem was discovered in an issue of the Louisville Courier-Journal and it was donated to the Hall of Fame soon after. Fear not, Jim. You have made a good hit. And though the World pitched, And the Devil played behind, And the Seven Deadly Sins were alive, In the field; Yet you have reached the Home-Plate of Heaven, And, amid cries of Judgment, From the World, and How's That? From the Devil, Are proclaimed by the Great Umpire Of the Universe, NOT OUT. The world and Canadian baseball has been left in a better place because of you Jim Fanning. Thank you for holding a special place in my world. Til we meet again in the diamonds in the sky.

Jim Fanning was a baseball pioneer in this country. Without his tireless efforts, there may not be Major League Baseball in Canada. He was a tremendous talent evaluator, an astute general manager and a smart field manager who led the Montreal Expos to their only playoff appearance in 1981. We were proud to induct him into our museum in 2000. But most importantly, Jim was a passionate teacher, a loving husband and father, and a wonderfully generous man. He was baseball royalty in Canada who visited our museum regularly. I speak for myself and the staff at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame when I say that we loved him. We will miss him deeply, but we will never forget him.

I was very saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. My baseball career could've never happened without his eye and knowledge of the game. My induction into Canada's baseball hall of fame was made all that much more sweeter by having him be the one to do it! I was a lucky man to be able to call him my friend and this earth was a better place having him in it!! My condolences to all the family. He will be missed, but never forgotten!

We are very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We wish to express our deepest sympathies to Maria, Cynthia, Frank and all of Jim's loved ones.

My condolences to the entire Fanning family. I have so many fond memories of Jim fanning and his effect on our city. I remember listening to him on then Gorges Balcan morning show and he will always be remembered as gentleman Jim.

My deepest sympathy to Jim's family ....Such a good man.... A real gentleman !.....wishing you all Peace, during this difficult time....sincerely from a Montreal baseball fan who spent time talking with Jim at different events and occasions....

I was deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing and extend my sincerest condolences to all the members of his family. I had the pleasure of working as a member of Jim's scouting staff in Quebec for several years and was always impressed by his knowledge of and love for the game as well as his incredible respect for all the people whose lives he touched. His warmth and sincerity will be gone but never forgotten.

To Maria, Cynthia and Frank. On behalf of our entire family Monique,Dave, Wendy and Jennifer we want to offer our deepest sympathies to you. We like many others had got to know Jim in a personal manner and have such wonderful memories of such a real gentleman and friend. May the Lord give you comfort and surround you with His grace over the coming months as you morn the loss of a wonderfull husband and father. All our love David and Monique Robinson

Dear Maria, Frank, and Cynthia Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear husband and father. I was an old friend of Frances Malandra in the old Montreal North days and spent time at the Malandra home on Parc Georges. My husband and I were huge Expos fans, and spotted you a few times at West Palm Beach during spring training but never got a chance to say hi. We were always so impressed by Jim....he was truly a gentleman. It is so good to know he brought such joy to his family. Sincerely, Gina Trivisonno Gamache and Joe Gamache

Dear Marie, Frank & Cynthia Although I only met Jim a few times I will always remember what a great host he was when you had your July 1st family party in St Lazare. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as God brings you through this new phase in your lives.

Dear Marie, Cynthia and Frank it was with great sorrow that we learned of Jim's passing on Saturday. Undoubtedly there is a huge void in your hearts and lives today. We are praying for you as we know that once again, God is the God of great comfort and peace. What great memories we have of the times we spent at your parents' home in Duvernay and the lovely times in St. Lazare......these are the memories that never fade but only grow stronger with time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and hugs Christina and Danny

Dear Marie,Cynthia and Frank, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of our wonderful cousin Jim. We will always have the greatest memories of this special man. Mike will always remember Jim's great way of telling stories from his baseball career. We will miss his smile. Our prayers are with you. Mike and Sue

Dearest Maria, Cynthia and Frank, It was with the deepest sadness that we learned of Jim's passing. What a wonderful, kind, inspiring man. We have always treasured our memories of all the times our families were together and are deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to know all of you. We have so many memories that bring a quiet smile or chuckle. Jim's integrity towards every aspect of life is something that few can ever aspire to emulate. I heard Frank on the radio today and he said he was dedicated to keeping all Jim stood for alive, to keep the legacy going. Dear Frank and Cynthia, you are the legacy. The love your dad had for you and your mother is the greatest gift and a testimony of all that is important. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Always in our hearts.

Condolences from the Directors of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Jane Shury President/CEO SBHFM Box 1388, Battleford, Sask. S0M 0E0 saskbaseballmuseum@sasktel.net

Dear Maria , I was very saddened to hear of Jim 's passing .I was flooded with very fond memories from many years past . We would go and enjoy a baseball game after work. You were the biggest Expo fan,,, and soooo proud of your Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . Anna Lisa Schiocchet

my condolences to the fanning family ..I had the privelage of playing for the montreal expos when jim was the general manager ..he was a very fair man and will be greatly missed rest in peace my friend your in my prayers ...

Dear Maria, On behalf of my family, please accept our condolences on Jim's passing. The news of of Jim's death instantly brought back many memories of the connection which we shared in baseball. I first met Jim when he had an office next to my Dad in the Baseball Commissioners Office in the 1960's and later he was always generous in getting me tickets for the early Expos games. He was sincerely welcoming when we would see each other at Hall of Fame gatherings. When I found out that he had married someone from my High School class, I was both astounded and pleased! Jim touched the lives of very many people and he will not be forgotten. Dave Simmons

Dear Maria, Cynthia and Frank, our sincere condolences on the passing of Gentleman Jim. He was a wonderful man. We will never forget the time we had together in West Palm Beach with Jim and Maria 29 years ago at the Expos training camp. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

Dear cousin Marie, Cynthia and Frank, We offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of a beloved husband and father. Jim was a true "gentleman." May the Lord comfort you at this time of loss.

Dear Maria, Cynthia and Frank, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. We hope that you will be able to find some comfort in the knowledge that all who were fortunate enough to have met Jim Fanning were all made better by that privilege. Jim's contribution to baseball and the communities in which he lived will live on and he will be long remembered as a true gentleman. Jim was a wonderful husband and father and we feel certain that his proudest legacy was his family, of which he was justifiably proud. We will remember Jim Fanning most fondly and smile each time we recall young Frank's Grade One response to the question, "What does the word classic mean?" Frank's reply, " My mom says that my Dad is a classic!" What a wonderful description of our friend, Jim Fanning!

We are saddened to hear of the passing of "Gentleman Jim". We wish to send our sincere condolences to Maria and children.

It was an absolute privilege to have met and spent time with Mr. Fanning these past few years, as he was gracious enough to attend our Expos rallies in Toronto. I cannot describe to you how special I hold the conversations and moments I had with him in my heart. I am now happy to call Frank and Cynthia my friends. On behalf of all of Expos Nation, I offer my warmest condolences.

Marie, Cynthia and Frank, We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He truly was Gentleman Jim and always greeted the family so warmly and sincerely. I was remembering, Marie, the games we attended together! It was quite exciting to sit in the best seats and enjoy the whole experience! We will be holding your family up in prayer as you walk this sad road. Much love to you.

My deepest sympathies, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jim and Frank at last years event in St Marys...truly and honor RIP Jim....an Angel is now watching over the diamonds.