James L. Farley

1944 - 2022

James L. Farley
February 14, 1944 - March 31, 2022
Atwater, California - Jim Farley, 78, peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fresno and lived in Merced County almost all of his life, graduating from El Capitan High School in 1962. He was active in 4-H as a Merced County 4-H All Star. He owned a herd of Hereford cattle and showed some of them at the Merced County and Los Banos Spring fairs.
After high school Jim enrolled at Modesto Junior College where he was president of the Young Farmers organization. He transferred to UC Davis and obtained a bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry in 1969. He earned his master's degree in Animal Science in 1978. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he had the distinction of having a top secret clearance. He was part of the color guard, with other American military soldiers, in parades in Paris, France.
When he returned to Merced, he met the love of his life Louise Schlegel. They married in 1972. He was employed by the Merced County Cooperative Extension and began his 35-year career. He also completed a Master's Degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. During his tenure at Cooperative Extension he received the National Association of County Agricultural Agents recognition. He also received recognition from the California State Association of Farm Advisors. Jim was also president of that organization.
Jim also co-authored a book titled "Handbook for the Small-Scale Pork Producer" and also was heavily involved in providing content for the software program "Pork Planner." After his retirement he was employed by Validus Verification in sites across the western United States.
Jim was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church in Merced. He served as a volunteer at the Salvation Army Breakfast with Sallie's.
Jim was very active in his community, volunteering as was a leader in the 4H Swine Project and sharing his knowledge with the 4H youth. He received the 4H Merced County meritorious service award and was twice elected to the McSwain Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees.
Jim was a dedicated volunteer and he participated in preparation and follow up of the Atwater Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. He worked with the preparation of the Chamber's newsletter.
Jim's interests were diverse. He was a NASCAR fan whether watching it on television or live and in-person. He enjoyed working on antique John Deere tractors. He also was a gourmet cook. Jim was a skilled craftsman in oak furniture and designed and made a metal fireplace insert for his family's home.
He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Pauline Farley, his mother-in-law Margaret Schlegel, grandparents C. L. and Edith Remington, and grandmother Ethel Farley. He is survived by his wife Louise Farley, son Jeff Farley, daughter Laurel Farley Mitchell, son-in-law Kevin Mitchell, brother-in-law John Schlegel and his wife Patty, sister-in-laws Beverly Schlegel and Carolyn Schlegel Botta, sister Jan Fister and her husband Larry, and nieces and nephews. The joy of his life were his grandsons Jacob and Mason Mitchell.
The visitation will be held Tuesday, April 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 N. Winton Way, Atwater. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 1920 Canal Street, Merced, followed by a gravesite service at the Merced District Cemetery. There will be a luncheon served at the Central Presbyterian following the graveside service.