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Condolences:
David E. Fillet, M.D.
My dear, dear friend that I will miss so very much.
Robyn & Doug Potter & Mim Walker
Very sorry to hear this news. Rely on comfort of family and friends and grace of God at this most difficult time.
Beverly and Ed Wills
Marie L. Mingus
Cousin Jimmy was my hero. He was the youngest grandson of William Henry and Lula Jane MacFarland, and a special first cousin to my Dad. Uncle James and Aunt Amanda and Jimmy first came to visit my family in North Carolina about the time of the draft. After that, he came to visit us on day pass from the base. Because I was little, and because I insisted, Jimmy would pick me up by my feet and swing me around in circles. That was enough to solidify his standing as my favorite cousin for life. During Viet Nam, Jimmy's leave time to Honolulu placed him at the same hotel check in desk, at the same time as my Dad, who was there on business. It had to have been a God-arranged moment. And it was a story often retold. How grateful I am for the many visits we all had again once Jimmy met Kathy! My heart goes out to all of you, Kathy, Craig, Cathy, Robin, and all the family.
David Blacklock
Always liked Jimmy. And he told good stories
Marcia Townsend Kilgore
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Jimmy. So glad he was able to reconnect back to Fernandina. Thoughts and prayers with Kathy and family.
Pat Stores Schwartz
Jimmy was a kind and thoughtful classmate. He will be missed by all of us in the FBHS Class of 1961. Our condolences go out to Kathy and their blended family.
Millard Gillen
I always had a high admiration for Jim, he was a very easy to know kind of guy. Always friendly and easy to approach. I can almost visualize him going out for a pass from his tight end position, even today....He looked as if he would have been capable of easily doing just that the last time I saw him at Mary Ann Olivers home for out class get together...He was loved by many and will be missed by many...
Arthur Peplow
I have fond memories of playing basketball with Jimmy in high school! Glad I was able to see him and Kathy at our 60th class reunion in 2021.
David and Olga Durham
J & J Moore
Norma (Spookie) Henderson
Our occasional luncheon’s at Stephan’s will never be the same without seeing Jim’s smiling face over a plate of liver and onions! What an exceptional person who will be missed by so many people!
Kay Howard
A few summers ago we had a “girls trip” to Amelia Island to Kathy and Jim’s house. Jim actually stayed at a friend's house but was out “pool boy” coming every morning to make sure the pool was just right for us ladies. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed many great times with Kathy and Jim. He will be missed by so many.
Lt. Colonel Henry James (Jim) McFarland Jr.
2024-03-30
Lt. Colonel Henry James (Jim) McFarland Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on Sat, March 30, 2024, at Community Hospice of Fernandina Beach, surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born Feb 7, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida to Henry James and Amanda Kenon McFarland. Jim was a 1961 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School and received an Associate degree from Chipola Community College. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science from American Technological University.
Jim was drafted into the Army in 1965, where he served as a field artillery officer and member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. While serving in Vietnam, he met Judith Campbell, a nurse whom he later married, and together they had three children. While serving in the army, they moved to numerous locations within the U.S., Korea, and Germany. In 1985, they settled in Virginia where he spent the rest of his career at the Pentagon, retiring in 1990. Jim was awarded numerous medals, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. He was proud to serve his country for 25 years.
Following his retirement from the Army, Jim worked with defense contractors until his final retirement in 2007. Jim and Judith shared 32 years of marriage until she passed away in 2002.
Jim returned to Fernandina Beach where he was reacquainted with Kathy Durham, a former high school classmate. Blessed to find love a second time, Jim and Kathy married in 2008. Happily retired, they traveled together to many European countries, visited friends and family in the US and abroad, and cheered on their beloved Florida Gators in the Swamp every fall. Jim and Kathy also enjoyed hosting family and close friends in their home (aka The McFarland B&B).
Jim’s zest for life included his passion for sports. He was a season ticket holder for the Washington Redskins/Commanders and Florida Gators football teams. When he wasn’t tailgating, he also enjoyed fishing and playing golf. His sense of humor naturally drew people to him.
Jim served as a deacon at McLean Baptist Church in Virginia. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. He was a founding member of the Military Officers of America (MOOA) chapter of Fernandina Beach.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy and their blended family, Cathy McFarland, Craig (Cristina) McFarland, Robin McFarland Weeks, Heather Figueroa, Wanda (Morris) Duty, Scott (Ann) Haynes and grandchildren Anna, Margaret, Campbell, Gentry, Liam, Garrett, Jaden, Nicole, Brandon, and more close friends than one can count.
The family welcomes you to a visitation on April 6, 2024, at 10am followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at 11am at First Baptist Church, 1600 South 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL.
Rather than flowers, donations may be made to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN in the name of Henry J. McFarland Jr.
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