James Farrer Ii

JAMES WAYNE FARRER II IDAHO FALLS, ID -- On the afternoon of this July 4th, just past, our father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, cousin and friend left our world and moved on to a new and richer environment. James Wayne Farrer II was born on October 23, 1928, to James Wayne Farrer I and Helen Elizabeth Russell Farrer in the front bedroom of their home on North Park Street at Shelley, Idaho. He grew up in Shelley, attended schools there, and graduated from its high school in 1946. In his youth, Dad developed an interest in sports and became a star athlete at Shelley High. He was a leading player on the basketball team and also star quarterback for the varsity football team. He also loved baseball. Dad left Shelley after high school to pursue higher education. He attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, for two years, and also spent two years at Idaho State University in Pocatello. While attending college, he met JoAnne Bateman while she was working at the front booth at the old Paramount Theater in Idaho Falls. They were later married and of this union, six children were born. Dad started work as a young married man as a guard at the old AEC Site. He also worked for Jack Gambles grocery business in the early 1950's. Shortly thereafter, Dad went into the appliance business and operated Mountain Electric. He spent nearly three decades selling appliances and furniture at his store and later the Bon Marche. In the early days it wasn’t unusual for him to not only sell a television, but to take a trip to the customer’s house for the purpose of adjusting the antenna and tuning in the picture. During the mid-1960's it was Dad who sold many people in this area their first color TV. Dad’s lifetime interest in sports was manifest in many ways. If you drove along the 700 block of 8th Street on a warm summer evening in the late 50's or early 60's, you might have seen an adult male playing ball with a group of very appreciative young boys. Dad always looked forward to his son’s athletic events and spent many hours in attendance at their baseball, basketball, and football games. A major sports event, whether local or national, was eagerly anticipated by our father. He was a major fan of Notre Dame sports, particularly football. It was fun just to watch Dad view a Notre Dame game, as he was on the edge of his seat and very involved in every play. Dad had five sons, but he also had a daughter, who was the youngest. She was very special in his heart and provided comfort and support to him throughout his life, especially during tough times in recent years. Unfortunately, in the early 70's Dad and Mom were divorced. However, they did remain very close friends throughout life and were always together at family events and outside activities. They both loved to play bingo and met many new friends through the years while playing together, whether it be at the VFW, Eagles, or Fort Hall. Dad’s greatest legacy in life dealt with the subject of alcoholism. For many years in the first half of his life the disease of alcoholism controlled much of his life. However, in his early 40's, he took control and went to war on this disease. Dad became very prominent in AA. He attended meetings regularly and was a great believer in its benefits. He helped organize and participated in important subgroups within the organization, an example would be Serenity Hall. Many people, along the way, were helped by his efforts so that they, too, could turn their lives around. Dad had a career change in mid-life. He worked for the State of Idaho as a Probation Officer. In this capacity he was able to further his efforts in helping people who had gone down a wrong road in life. He was loved and appreciated by so many of these individuals. We will honor Dad’s life and times at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, with Father Joe McDonald of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday for one hour before the services, both at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Shelley-Hillcrest Cemetery. Dad is survived by his ex-wife, JoAnne, his six children, Jim, Jr., Charles, Thomas (Corie), Edward, Jonathan, Lisa (John) Stephens, and his loving sister, Sister Mary Farrer, who resides on the campus of Notre Dame University at St. Mary’s Convent. Dad had 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and spoke of often. He is also survived by his close and loving cousin and her husband, Virginia and James (Mac) Macwilliams. He leaves behind his boyhood pal, from the earliest days, and lifetime friend, Carroll Cutler. Dad left behind a wealth of friends from every walk of life who were touched by him and will always cherish their memories of him. And, of course, by a few ex-little leaguers from a time long past, but not forgotten. _____________________________________ If you would like to offer your condolences, fill in the form below. Your comments will be forwarded to the family. Name E-mail Address To the family of Comments