James “Jim” E. Farmer, Jr., 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Midland Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on November 9, 1928 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the eldest of three children, to James and Marvel Farmer. He spent his childhood on a ranch in Hagerman, Idaho, where he developed a love for animals. Jim graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute and received his undergraduate degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Idaho. While there, he was the captain of the swim team and a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Following graduation, he served in the Korean War as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Infantry from January 1951 to August 1952.Upon returning home, he married his college sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Helen Hays. They raised three children together, Kit (Empson), Bo (Farmer), and Mary Anne (Benton). Jim ranched with his father for two and a half years and served as a Special Forces Captain in the US Army Reserves before returning to school at Utah State University where he earned a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition. After graduation, he began his career as a computer engineer working for Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, Computer Science Corporation in Kennewick, Washington, and Texas Instruments in Austin and Dallas, Texas and Cornwall, New York. Jim’s proudest professional achievement was helping develop the guidance system for the Tomahawk missile.Jim and Helen retired in 1992 to Mabank, Texas, where they enjoyed 24 years living on the lake as “Grandad and Nana.” Jim’s passions in life were family, snow skiing, sailing, and water skiing, so he spent his retirement enjoying these activities with his family. In 2016, Jim and Helen moved to Midland to be closer to family. Jim will be remembered for his integrity and honor as well as being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.He was preceded in death by his parents, James Eugene and Marvel Hill Farmer; and his sister, Patricia West. He is survived by his wife, Helen Farmer of Midland; his brother, Garry Farmer and his wife Sandra, of Valley Center, California; his daughter, Kit Empson and her husband Richard of Hico, Texas; his son, Bo Farmer and his wife Susan of Midland, Texas; his daughter, Mary Anne Benton and her husband Greg of Midland, Texas; and his eight grandchildren, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren: Brooke and Matt Mahaffey, Katie and Drew Winston, J.D. Benton, Alex Empson, Ariel Watson, Adam Watson, Christopher Empson, Hays Farmer, Tukker and Brekkon Mahaffey, and Ella and Graham Winston.Services will be held on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Anglican with Rev. Henry Pendergrass officiating. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be given to a charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
