Charles C. “Chuck” Espy, Jr., 84, a resident of Fairfield for over 50 years, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at the Fairfield Country Club from 2:30-4:30pm
Chuck was born July 19, 1941 in Berkeley, California, the son of Charles, Sr. and Ruby (Johnson) Espy. He was raised in Rockford, Illinois, excelling in both academics and sports. In his senior year he won an Illinois State swimming championship and earned an academic scholarship to Northwestern University. After a year in the Big 10 Chuck transferred to his father’s alma mater Iowa Wesleyan University where he met the love of his life Janice McCurdy. After Chuck and Jan graduated from Iowa Wesleyan they were united in marriage April 17, 1965 at Central Methodist Church in Oskaloosa.
Chuck served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1963 – 1965 and continued his service as a Captain in the Army National Guard in Mt. Pleasant.
Chuck served as a financial advisor for Edward Jones from 1974-2006 opening one of the firm’s first branch offices. Chuck served in a variety of leadership roles for the firm, mentored many fellow advisors and loved helping his clients. He enjoyed his profession so much that he recruited dozens of individuals over the years, many from Fairfield, to change careers and join Edward Jones.
In his retirement Chuck enjoyed golfing, traveling and researching the stock market. Chuck was heavily involved in philanthropy for the betterment of Fairfield. Most of all Chuck loved being a father, grandfather and loving and devoted husband. He and his wife Jan were married for over 60 years. They loved each other very much and had a wonderful life together.
Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife, Jan; sons, Jason (Rhonda) Espy of Chesterfield, Missouri, Bob Espy of Holland, Michigan, and Jonathan Espy of Palm Springs, California; grandchildren, Amanda, Aidan, Noah, Lauren, Jackson, and Mason; great-grandson, Damian; and his brother, Bruce (Jane) Espy of Sanibel Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Fairfield United Methodist Church, The Well or Main Street Fairfield. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Chuck and his family.
Online condolences may be made to Chuck’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
