James Matthew Farson

Loving father, story-teller, "never-met-a-stranger", Jim Farson was the 4th of 5 children born to Matthew Stanley Farson and Rachel Campbell. He grew up in a rambunctious household in Indianapolis, Indiana, ran track in high school, and graduated with a B.A. Degree in Liberal Arts (Math/Physics) from Washington and Jefferson College, and a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University). He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and was commissioned and served as an artillery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; his professional career focused on engineering, banking and sales. Jim married Sharon Kay Ahlers with whom he had three children, and together they moved their family all around the country, eventually settling in Louisville, KY. He later married Helen Cranford Rightsell and settled in Greensboro, NC.

"Far-Far", as he was known affectionately by his grandchildren, always had time to listen and to tell a good, long story. He was kind-hearted and gentlemanly, always seeing and believing the best in people. In his later years, Jim loved working in his woodworking studio, fixing things and constructing gifts for others, and caring for his and Helen's beautiful back yard.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings, Jean, Mimi, John and Tom. He is survived by his wife Helen Farson of Greensboro, NC; children Julia Farson Ralston (David), Elizabeth Farson Horne (Ron), and James Ahlers Farson (Holly); Helen's children Wendy Rightsell, Brian Rightsell (Kelly), and Todd Rightsell; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Thank you to the staff at the NC State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, NC, especially Ms. Georgia Crump and her team, for giving Jim the best care and preserving his dignity for many years.

A private service will be held at a later date.