James Farnsworth

James "Jim" Oliver Farnsworth, 79, of 18 Williams St., claimed his heavenly home July 17, 2005, after a period of declining health.

A native Greenvillian, born on Dec. 24, 1925, he was the son of the late Wallace Henry and Ollie Southern Farnsworth. He was predeceased by a son, James Farrell Farnsworth, and a sister, Kathaleen Farnsworth Fowler.

Mr. Farnsworth was founder and president of Coordinated Planning Service Inc., a local insurance agency. He enjoyed a long and successful career as an estate planner and insurance executive for the past 53 years. His achievements include some of the most prestigious awards given by the insurance industry, that include a life and qualifying membership of the Million Dollar Round Table, National Sales Achievement Award, National Qualify Award and appearances in Fortune 500 magazine's top salesmen of the year articles, along with many other sales and achievement awards over the span of his illustrious career. He was past president of the Greater Greenville Life Underwriters Association and was a member of the National Life Underwriters Association for 53 years, earning him a position in the Trailblazer's Club and a Gold Star membership. His choice of occupations was one that he loved. He was always happy being of service to others.

He attended Furman University, graduating in 1952 after a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. Also, he was a member of the Poinsett Club, the Commerce Club, Sapphire Lakes Country Club in NC, TPA, the American Legion, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and St. Andrews Society. He was very much a civic and community minded person. He gave of his time and resources to the many charities that he loved, including Miracle Hill, St. Francis Hospital, the Meyer Center, Shepherd's Gate and many more. His presence will be sorely missed, as he touched the lives of all who knew him and was benefactor to many who did not know him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, the former Elizabeth Earle; his sons, David Earle Farnsworth and wife, Sandra, of Americus, Ga., John Stephen Farnsworth of Greenville, Richard Oliver Farnsworth of Greenville, Robert Henry Farnsworth of Nashville, Tenn., and the Rev. William Haliburton Farnsworth and wife, MaryBeth, of Athens, Ga.; a brother, retired Lt. Col. William W. Farnsworth, and wife, Gila, of Mount Pleasant; a sister, Doris G. Taylor, and husband, William C., of Greenville; a sister, Joyce Roper, and husband, Charles, of Greenville; 12 grandchildren, James, MaryBeth, Stephen and wife, Maxie, Charlotte, Oliver, Jonathan, Evan and Rebecca Reid, Ben, Elizabeth, Jack and Robert; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Jim's life will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Stan Johnson and the Rev. Dr. Randolph Kowalski officiating. A graveside service will follow at Graceland West Cemetery.

Visitation will be this evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Mackey Mortuary, Century Drive.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers, with members of the Men's Bible Class of First Presbyterian Church serving as honorary escort.

For those desiring, memorials may be made to the James Farrell Farnsworth Memorial Scholarship Fund, Crescent Music Fund, c/o Kay Mason, 202 Holley Drive, Easley, SC 29640, or to the Music Department of First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601.

The family is at the residence.