James Macfarlane

1962 - 2024

James J. Macfarlane, 62, of Rew passed away Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2024) at his home, with his wife, Sandy, by his side.
Born April 23, 1962, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Robert M. and Olga M. (Pelino) Macfarlane Sr.
Jim was a 1980 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School. He later earned an associate degree in petroleum engineering technology in 1982, and a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985 in petroleum geology, both from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
On Nov. 9, 1985, in Elmira, N.Y., he married Sandra Jean (Curren) Macfarlane, who survives.
Jim's career in the oil and gas industry started at Quaker State Oil Refining Corp., Halliburton Services while in high school and college. After completing his degrees, he worked for Buckeye Well Services, Eastern Well Services, Stone River Inc. and Otis Eastern Well Services.
In 1987, he started MacTech Mineral Management with his father, consulting as an exploration and development specialist. He traveled throughout the eastern United States designing and completing horizontal drilling programs through highly regulated areas of public and private lands. He joined Minard Run Oil Co. in 2011 and served as vice president of operations and business development. Prior to his retirement he was a consultant to Otis Eastern.
He was a member and past president of the Bradford District Pennsylvania Oil Producers Association Board of Directors and member of Western Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association, New York Oil Producers Association, Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York, Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Professional Landman, American Association of Petroleum Geologist, Vineyard Oil & Gas and McKean County CARE for Children, and president of the Olean Youth Hockey Association.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Sandy, of 38 years, are one son, Dr. Alexander (Emily) Macfarlane of Buffalo, N.Y.; one daughter, Dr. Ashton Macfarlane of Boston, Mass.; two sisters, Patricia A. Alexis of Bradford and Diane Wizeman of Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers, Robert M. Macfarlane of Bradford and Stephen M. Macfarlane of Springboro; his father- and mother-in-law John "Jack" Anna Mae Curren of Fassett; two sisters-in-law, Joann Curren of Columbia Cross Road and Diann (Scott) Shields of Copley, Ohio; one brother-in-law, Todd (Pam) Curren of Fassett; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim enjoyed boating, skiing, cross-country skiing, hunting and hockey. However, his greatest joy was his wife and two children, and beloved dogs.
Jim's family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 16, 2024) at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 E. Main St. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at noon Thursday (Oct. 17, 2024) at St. Francis Church with the Rev. John Jacquel, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4261 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 15, Erie PA 16505; or Ashley Booth Griffin McKean County CARE for Children, 616 E. Main St., Bradford PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com.