James Edward "Jim" Farnham

FARNHAM, James Edward "Jim", died of Alzhiemer's disease on November 15, 2023 at the age of 81. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, strong litigator, witty entertainer, and lifelong Christian. He was an active volunteer for many community organizations, including the Massey Cancer Center, Habitat for Humanity, The Children's Home of Virginia, St Catherine's School, and First Presbyterian Church.

Jim grew up in Knoxville Tennessee, up the street from his future bride, Carole Erskine. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1963, and Yale Law School in 1966. Yale Law School became the gateway for a 40-year legal career and the source of important lifelong friendships. While in law school, he married his high school sweetheart, Carole, (1964). They moved to Richmond VA, where Jim had been hired by Hunton & Williams (now Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) and where Carole gave birth to their first child, Matt. Over the next 15 years, they added Pam, Katy, Sam, and Sarah to the family. Through his 40-years at Hunton & Williams, Jim became a fierce litigator, a tenacious advocate for his clients, a committed mentor to junior lawyers, and a valued partner at the firm.

Despite the intensity and energy that Jim poured into his craft, his devotion to his family never waivered. He loved playing games with his family, he loved playing his autoharp and trying to get his family to sing along with him, and he loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish. He and Carole were pointedly committed to the benefits of travel, and took the family on many vacations far and wide. A dogged champion of clarity in oral communication, Jim's painstakingly prepared and persuasive orations in trials extended to an imaginative and sought after gift for entertaining outside of the courtroom. Jim was frequently the main act during skits at Hunton's social events. With laser-like precision and colorful imagery, Jim authored witty roasts of Hunton colleagues and their family members, including those read at numerous weddings and rehearsal dinners. He also loved to host "The World Series of Poker" in his basement, where Jim-Down-n-Dirty-Farnham was the Master of Ceremonies.

Jim walked the talk of his faith. He was an active member of First Presbyterian church, and held a variety of positions in the church. He drew on his faith to carry him through challenging times, and enjoyed being a part of the "First Pres" community through service and fellowship.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Ed and Dorothy Farnham, as well as his son Matt Farnham. He is survived by his wife Dr. Carole Farnham, four children: Pam Farnham, Katy Farnham (Rita Markley), Sam Farnham (Esther Farnham) and Sarah Hogsed (Daniel Hogsed), and his brother Bill Farnham (Kathleen Farnham). Jim was blessed with eight grandchildren: Mary, Neelie, and James Markley, Sam, Benjamin, and Sally Farnham, and Bert and Carole Hogsed. Jim's family asks that any donations in his honor be directed to Massey Cancer Center (masseycancercenter.org; mailing address: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284-3042). Jim was instrumental in Massey's creation after his son, Matt's three-year battle with cancer. Jim's memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 4602 Cary Street, at two o'clock on January 6th. The family will host a reception at the church immediately after the service.