James F. Farmer, 88, born Oct. 27, 1920 in Grapeland, Texas to Garland H. and Mary Farmer, passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009.

He was the second of five living children: Garland, James, Mary K., Marge and Donald. His father was a Disciples of Christ preacher for about 50 years in several Texas towns including San Marcos.

James graduated from Childress High School in 1938 where he was salutatorian of his graduating class and extremely athletic. He then attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos and was student body president. He graduated with honors in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1946 with a Masters of Arts degree. While at SWTST, he met and married the love of his life, Mildred Baker.

During World War II, he was with the 162nd Station Hospital in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to San Marcos where he was a high school math teacher and a football and basketball coach.

He earned his principal certification from SWT and became the San Marcos Junior High School Principal. During this time he also worked on his Doctorate Degree at the University of Texas in Austin.

James finished his 41 years in the San Marcos I.S.D. school system as a high school assistant principal and federal programs administrator at the Central Office. After retiring in 1986, he could be found on the tennis courts almost every day except Sunday, with Lou Maloney and many other tennis buddies.

James was an Elder and Deacon of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, of San Marcos. He served communion to individuals in hospitals and nursing homes every Sunday for 20 years. His personal touch with family, students, teachers and friends is his legacy and his living was a matter of his faith.

He is survived by his son, William Ted Farmer and wife, Olya Farmer, daughter, Marilyn Farmer Gregory and husband, Spark Gregory, three grandchildren: Bill Gregory, James Gregory, Christy Farmer Fisher and four great- grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mildred Baker Farmer, and his youngest daughter, Wanda Joan Farmer.

Family will receive friends at Pennington Funeral Home today from 6 to 8 p.m.,

Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the First Christian Church in San Marcos, with the Rev. Dr. Mark Miller officiating.

Interment will follow in Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Christian Church, 3105 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas 78666.

Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, 353-4311.

Visit our Web site at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com