Michael Joyce “Miki” Fairley, former editor of The O&P EDGE, passed away on April 1. She was 81 years old.
Miki attended the University of Arizona and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Miki was a journalist and editor for the O&P community for more than 30 years, including as an editor and writer for The O&P EDGE from 2002 to 2023, and for O&P Business News from 1992 to 2002. Miki resigned from the managing editor position of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO) less than a month before her death. She had held that role since 2008.
“For over 30 years, Miki dedicated her talents to the O&P community with insight, integrity, and unwavering heart. As one of the original four women behind The O&P EDGE, her editorial voice helped shape the magazine and the industry.
“Her passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence made every issue better—and made all of us better, too,” said Tonja Randolph, publisher, The O&P EDGE. “We miss her deeply and are forever grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.”
“For 17 years, Miki served as managing editor of JPO with unwavering dedication, elevating its quality through her sharp eye for detail, deep passion for excellence, and steadfast commitment to the O&P profession. Her work helped shape the journal into a trusted source of knowledge and advancement for the profession. I had the profound privilege of working alongside her throughout her entire tenure—her impact on the journal and the O&P community will be felt for years to come,” said Manisha Bhaskar, chief communications and strategy officer, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
Miki was born on January 25, 1944, in Wyandotte County, Kansas, and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade. She married Stephen Prag Jr. in 1965 and had her first child, Stephen “Sam” Prag III in 1968. After her first husband passed away, she was married to James Fairley from 1970 to 1983. James Fairley brought three children to the marriage, Susan Harris, Sharon Jenks, and James Steven Fairley, and the couple welcomed Stewart Fairley in 1972.
Miki was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis “Mac” O’Bannon and Arlene “Tommy” Thompson O’Bannon; her grandson, Trevor Prag; her nephew, Sean O’Bannon; and James Fairley.
She is survived by her brother Timothy O’Bannon; her five children; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew.
