James W. Farmer

James Woodruff Farmer (Jim) age 89, beloved husband of Janet Farmer passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 6, 1934, and raised in Danvers, Massachusetts, Jim was the son of the late James Woodruff (Woody) and Charlotte Farmer. Jim graduated from Boston University, where he studied business management, and then served in the Army Reserves from 1958 to 1964. Jim was an entrepreneur at heart. Equipped only with his pickup truck, a wheelbarrow, and some hand tools, he created the J. Farmer Company, A commercial landscape design and construction company that would become nationally recognized for its prestigious project portfolio that spanned across New England’s professionally ranked golf courses, an NFL stadium, and myriad of beautification projects including public parks, arboretums, and rooftop plantings along Boston’s skyline. Jim let it be known that his success in business was rooted in his Christian faith, and he loved working with the youth. He and Janet spent years leading church youth groups and Bible studies. Jim had a profound impact on countless lives. Many members of their youth groups still keep in touch with them to this day. One particular member, who is now a pastor in Connecticut, was with Jim and the family as Jim passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. He married Janet Farmer on July 29, 1960. They settled into the community of Boxford, Massachusetts where they raised their four children, Debbie, Joanne, Mark, and Scott. They spent their summers as a family at their cottage on Great East Lake. During the winter months the family enjoyed snowmobile excursions and ski trips in the White Mountains. Jim skied into his later years and frequented the slopes of Bretton Woods and Attitash resorts. He and Janet were avid snowshoe enthusiasts with their own network of trails they blazed in the off seasons. Jim retired his snow skies at age 87. Lake life was important to Jim. During the summers, the family participated in every water sport imaginable. Jim was known for his boat driving prowess, which added to the excitement of being on the water. He loved cookouts, fishing, reading on the dock, shooting pool, and sitting by the campfire telling stories. Jim also enjoyed the ocean. He and Janet kept their ocean boat at the Royal River Marina, in South Yarmouth, Maine. He enjoyed charting and navigating voyages to take with his grandchildren. Among his favorites were the many islands of the Casco Bay and Mid-coast regions. Camden, Maine was an annual vacation destination for the entire Farmer family. Later in life Jim and Jan retired and built their dream home on Great East Lake. With Jim’s landscaping abilities they created a place of peace, tranquility and fun all in one. Jim’s greatest joy was visits from family at the lake. He treasured his time with his grandchildren. The feeling was mutual… his strength, kindness, sense of humor, and resilience has left an everlasting imprint on their lives. His presence was a source of joy and inspiration. Jim’s legacy will live on through the stories they’ll share and the values that he instilled in them. Jim will be deeply missed by his wife Janet, of 63 years of marriage and their four children: Debbie Chrysafidis and her husband Paul, Joanne Kimball, Mark Farmer and his wife Shauna, and Scott Farmer and his wife Cortney; and by his 12 grandchildren: Scott Chrysafidis, Christine Chrysafidis, Mark Chrysafidis, Colby Farmer, Wesley Farmer, Curtis Kimball, Candy Joinville, Crystal Kimball, Caity Austin, Colton Kimball, Owen Bradlee Farmer, and Tobin Farmer; and his 6 great grandchildren: Alicia, Isabel, Jude, Hazel, Ivy, and Titus. He is also survived by his loving brother-in-law, Bill Hosker and his wife Peg. And his nephew and nieces: Andrew Hosker, Ellen Musser, Susan Lawrence, Jeanie Beldyk, and Janet Holguin. A private family ceremony is being held. At a later date the Farmer family will host a lakeside “Celebration of Life” event. Details to be announced.