Farver, James Thomas 1947-2018

FARVER, BAKER, SKOKAN, SENNEFF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:31

James Thomas Farver
Nov 24, 1947 ~ Mar 21, 2018 (AGE 70)

James Thomas “Tom” Farver, 70, of Newton passed into glory at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, after a long battle with poor health. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 26, at Community Heights Alliance Church. The family will greet friends from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, March 25, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Hospital of Hope in Togo, West Africa through ABWE (American Baptist Worldwide Evangelism) P.O. Box 8585 in Harrisburg, PA 17105 in support of the work of Josh and Jenny Farver – account #0134623; to the Newton Arboretum to honor Tom’s love of the outdoors; or simply plant a tree somewhere to honor his love for the outdoors, trees, and the forest.

Tom, the son of Richard and Mary Jean (Baker) Farver, was born on November 24, 1947 in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1966 and from Iowa State University with a degree in Forestry in 1970. On June 7, 1970, Tom was united in marriage with Carol (Skokan) in Newton. Tom began his career with the United States Forest Service (USFS) in July of 1970 starting in Maine, then moving to Massachusetts, West Virginia, Missouri, Colorado, and Wyoming, before taking an early retirement in July of 1997 and returning to Iowa. He then worked for Skokan Construction and lastly at the Pella Window Corporation in the Model Shop before retiring again.

Tom enjoyed life and spending time with his family/friends, children, and grandchildren who relished his bedtime stories about fighting fires and being a district ranger with the Forest Service. He enjoyed walks in many national forests and fall horse-back hunting trips with friends in Wyoming. It was his biggest joy to raise their three children with a solid spiritual foundation. He loved attending their many school activities in Sundance, Wyoming. Tom was a church youth group leader and adult Sunday School teacher for years. Later he loved spending time at the lake with family and friends, fishing, boating and doing endless remodel projects. Tom had a strong faith, quick wit, and gentle spirit that guided his life and positively influenced those around him. He leaves a legacy of faith, family, and a quiet peace that required little to be content.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Carol Farver; children, Melissa (Aaron) Senneff of Ankeny, Jason (Whitney) Farver of Cherokee, and Joshua (Jenny) Farver, serving as missionaries in Togo, West Africa; grandchildren, Anna, Chase, Camden, Kiersten, and Jazzlyn Senneff, Brayden, Taylor, Brody, and Tori Farver, and Ally, Abby, Timothy, Trey, and Jaxon Farver; his siblings, Steve (Eric Lindburg) Farver of Kellogg, Jeff (Vickie) Farver of Newton, Mark (Vicky) Farver of Newton; sister-in-law, Diane Farver of Newton; and his many important nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy Justin Farver in 1973; brother, Dennis (Diane) Farver; and his niece, Cari Farver.

Thank you for the faithful support of family, friends, and the numerous health care providers who supported us the last three years. ~ The Wallace Family Funeral Home, Newton, Iowa Wed 21 Mar 2018.