James Farmer

James C. Farmer, Jr., age 93, of West Columbia, Texas passed away on April 21,2021 at his longtime home in West Columbia, Texas.  J. C. was born on August 9, 1927 to James C. and Mattie Laura Blakely Farmer in Stephenville, Texas.  J. C. graduated from Stephenville High School and Tarleton College.  In July 1945, while still 17 years old, J. C. enlisted in the United States Navy in order to serve his country during the final stages of World War II.  J. C. was a dedicated patriot who believed America is the greatest and most successful form of government designed by man for the betterment of mankind.  Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, J. C. followed other hometown friends to the Gulf Coast in search of employment in June 1948.  J. C. needed to earn a living quickly as he had a plan to marry the love of his life, Ola Jean McInroe.  J. C. and Ola Jean were married on September 18, 1948 and remained as devoted partners for almost 69 years, until Ola Jean’s passing on February 11, 2017.  J. C. worked as a staff accountant at Phillips Petroleum Company in Sweeny, Texas from 1948 to 1985.

J. C. had many interests and passions throughout his life.  He was exceedingly engaged in his community and served in many organizations, often in leadership positions as President, Chairman or Board Member.  He was a member of Columbia United Methodist Church, St. John’s Lodge No.5 and the American Legion since 1948.  J. C. served the Lions Club, Phillips Men’s Club, Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, Central EMS, Brazoria County Appraisal Review Board and the Roughneck Booster Club.  J. C. had a life long devotion to music and played the clarinet and saxophone as well as many of the Big Band leaders of the day.  He surely enjoyed being a 10- year member of the All Keyed Up Band with friends from West Columbia, playing “Big Band, Country and Western, Polka and Swing Music” for area nursing homes, city events and charitable organizations in the community.  To be sure, J. C. loved to “dance the night away” with Ola Jean.  He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and Master Gardener.

J. C. is survived by his two sons, James E. “Jim” Farmer and wife Terri and Gary S. Farmer and wife Susan.  J. C. has five grandchildren:  Jessica White and husband Cole, Cade Farmer, Lauren Purvis and husband Thompson, Caroline Reckling and husband Matthew and Katherine Thornhill and husband Nathan.  Additionally J. C. has four great grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends and love ones on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Dr., West Columbia.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at Columbia United Methodist Church.  Burial will immediately follow at the historic Old Columbia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be provided to Central EMS, 400 N. 13th Street, West Columbia TX  77486 or to the General Fund of Columbia United Methodist Church, 315 S. 16th Street, West Columbia TX, 77486