Farley, James "Jim" William 1943-2017

FARLEY, MARIENAU, VARENHORST, EWERS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/7/2017 at 17:31:04

James "Jim" William Farley

March 25, 1943 - July 04, 2017

James ‘Jim’ Farley, 74, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at his home in Le Mars following an intense battle with squamous cell carcinoma. He will always be remembered as a fighter, and the most spectacular example of courage and strength. He is now with the good Lord and will finally experience what it’s like to be truly, completely healthy.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars. Reverend Jan Christensen will officiate. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will be after 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will resume following the Memorial Service during a time of lunch and fellowship at the church. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

James William Farley was born March 25, 1943 in Riverside, California, the son of Winifred and Myrna (Marienau) Farley. At the age of 3, he moved with his mother to Ireton, Iowa. He was baptized at the Ireton United Methodist Church. A few years later, he moved with mother to Le Mars where he started grade school. After his mother’s marriage to Erwin Varenhorst, they moved to the Marienau family farm in Plymouth County where he attended country school. He was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Craig. He attended high school in Le Mars and graduated in 1961.

Before graduating from high school, Jim began working for Plymouth R.E.C. He would continue with the company his entire career, working as a lineman, foreman, and service technician. He retired from Northwest R.E.C. after 43 years of service.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Ewers on October 3, 1964 at Plymouth Presbyterian United Church of Christ, rural Le Mars.

He was a member of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars where he served as an elder, deacon, and usher. He was also a member of the I.B.E.W. #231 in Sioux City. While in high school, he was active in 4-H and F.F.A. Through the years, he enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and taking family vacations. He loved to be outdoors, whether it was spending time on the farm or tending to his garden. He and Ruth also enjoyed playing in several pinochle card clubs over the years. In his later years, he enjoyed attending auctions. Jim will be remembered for his friendship to many and his willingness to help others.

Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Ruth of Le Mars; a son: Scott (Tammy) Farley of Sioux City, IA, and their children, Donald, Brittini, Ashley, and Alyssa; a daughter: Beth (Darin) Raymond of Le Mars, IA, and their children, Walker and Katelyn; a daughter: Susan Farley of Sioux City, IA; great grandchildren: Shynnah, A.J., and one on the way; brother: Bob (Claris) Varenhorst of Le Mars, IA; a sister: Diane (Charles) Von Hagel of Akron, IA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Winifred Farley and Myrna Farley Varenhorst; his step father: Erwin Varenhorst; and his father and mother in law: Lloyd ‘Bud’ and Stella Ewers.

Memorials are preferred to the Presbyterian United Church of Christ, Floyd Valley Hospital Foundation, and/or St. Croix Hospice.

Rexwinkel Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa