HENRY JOSEPH FAVIER

1919 - 2010

Henry Joseph Favier, better known as Jim, passed away on Friday October 15, 2010 near his family in his home in Merced. Jim was born August 10, 1919 on the family ranch in Merced County to French immigrants, Frank and Felicie Favier. He was born the sixth of ten children, five boys and five girls, and was a lifelong Merced resident.

Following his graduation from Merced High School in 1936, Jim served four and one half years in the Army Medical Corps during WWII in the South Pacific. When he returned home he farmed and raised cattle with his four brothers. Jim and his brothers were also partners in Noble Meat Company and Custom Made Feeding Company.

Jim's interests were always associated with family and the livestock industry. He was a member of the Elks Club of Merced and the California Cattlemen's Assn. for over 50 years. He served for many years as a Board of Director for the Lower San Joaquin Levee District and as a member of the Junior Livestock Auction Committee for over 30 years. He was honored by the Merced-Mariposa Cattlemen's Assn. as Cattleman of the year, and later by the Merced County Fair Rodeo as their Grand Marshall. Jim was very proud of his French Heritage. He enjoyed traveling to France with his wife and children to visit his French relatives. Jim loved his family and was an avid hunter. He enjoyed the large family gatherings at Easter and Thanksgiving. He especially loved the gatherings at the ranch bunk house after hunting with friends and family. He was always a welcome addition to every gathering and will be sadly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice, his children, James Douglas Favier, Joanne Marchini, Henry Favier, Jr., Amy Sloan, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and step grandchildren.

Services will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Chapel on Friday October 22, 2010 at 12:00 O'clock Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of your choice.