Obituary - James Francis Falk

James Francis Falk is the son of Mary Grace Haverstock and Harry Clem Falk.  He was born on June 18, 1935, in Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois, USA.  After a hard-fought battle with cancer, he passed away on September 28, 2025, in Fallon, Nevada, with his wife, Linda, by his side.

In 1953, Jim graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in Illinois.

He entered the U.S. Navy in 1954 and retired in 1974.  After leaving the Navy, he worked for 20 years at San Diego Union-Tribune as a copy editor.

His military service included serving on the USS Lexington (aircraft carrier) and USS Orca (seaplane tender).  Naval Air Station Miramar, Naval Photographic Center, Washington, DC.  He traveled through Vietnam on a military flight in the 1950s.  Served 1964-67 as Fleet Journalist, Chief of Naval Information.  Jim spent time near Phu Bai and Quay and was later sent to Da Nang.  Jim’s next assignment was with the 4^th Marine Regiment.  He reported to Stars & Stripes in 1966 as a photojournalist assigned out of Japan.  Jim spent two years at Naval Air Station Facility Atsugi and 3 years at 7^th Fleet at Yokosuka.  From 1963-64, he attended the Navy program in photojournalism at Syracuse University, New York state.  Served 1969 to early 70s: Navy headquarters Saigon: Lead Chief for Public Affairs, Commander US Forces Vietnam.  Final assignment: Assistant Public Affairs Officer: Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, San Diego.  Among his awards, Jim earned two Navy Commendation Medals and one Navy Achievement Medal.  He said being assigned to the staff of Pacific Stars & Stripes in Tokyo was his proudest career accomplishment.  He was among 6 Navy photojournalists assigned to photograph the U.S. Navy in Vietnam for a travelling exhibit titled “Jets to Junks”.

Jim was a member of the VFW Post 1002, NRA, Churchill County Republican Central Committee and attended The Country Church in Fallon, NV.  He and Linda are members of the Hillsdale College President’s Club and are Hillsdale College Associates.

He is survived by the love of his life, Linda Hartweg.  They were married in Virginia City, Nevada, on October 11, 2012.  He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Parkison, of Tunkhannock, PA, a brother-in-law Larry Pennington of Covington, TN, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins residing in various states.  Also, many friends who loved and respected him.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Grace Haverstock and Harry Clem Falk, his sister Sarah Lynn Pennington of Covington, TN, first wife Masako Ohme Falk of Jamul, CA, brother-in-law Bob Parkison of Tunkhannock, PA.

His family requests any donations be made in his name to The Country Church, Fallon, NV, or Hillsdale College.  A memorial service will be held later this fall.