James Ernest Farrer

Feb. 19, 1930 — Nov. 16, 2012

Jim was born to Ernest and Ella Eten Farrer at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, California on Feb. 19, 1930. He spent his childhood on an apple ranch in Mendocino County in Philo, also known as Wildcat Prarie. He grew up as a country boy: hunting, tracking animals, swimming in the creek, driving farm equipment and trucks at a very early age.

After graduating as class valedictorian from Anderson Valley High School, he worked at the sawmill in Philo. While attending Santa Rosa Junior College, he enjoyed playing trumpet in the band, and he met his wife to be, Evelyn Richardson. After graduation, Jim followed his dream and joined the United States Air Force, where he became a pilot and literally flew the world.

After marrying Evelyn, Jim’s first tour of duty was in Japan, where his daughter, Glenda was born. He was then transferred to Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, where he flew with the Strategic Airlift Command. It was in Louisiana that this three sons, James Jr., Ronald and Steven were born. His second tour of duty in Japan with his family was at the peak of the Vietnam War, where he flew C-124 and C-141 cargo planes. His last assignment was at Travis AFB, where he made his home in Fairfield, retiring as a Major in 1971.

After retirement, Jim became a Real Estate Agent, and graduated with an Associate of Arts in Accounting from Solano College. He became a Mason with the Masonic Lodge while stationed at Tachikawa AB in Japan. He later joined other Masonic organizations: Suisun Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Ben Ali Shrine, and the Scottish Rite Temple. In Suisun Chapter, he served as Worthy Patron numerous times. Jim spent years as an Advisory Board Member with Suisun Assembly, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He was always willing to help out and support his daughter with Rainbow activities, and his sons with Boy Scout camping trips.

He had a passion for history and politics, and was well read. Over the years, he built his own private library of history books, with an emphasis on WWII. Jim firmly believed in the famous adage, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn; his daughter, Glenda Johnson; son, Steven Farrer; and son-in-law, Stephen Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his sons, James E. Farrer Jr., and Ronald E. Farrer.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at the Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, located at 1850 West Texas Street in Fairfield. There will be a reception following the service. Those who wish may remember him through a donation to the American Diabetes Association, by internet or 1-800-DIABETES.