James Edward “Jim” Farmer

Published 11:39 am Thursday, May 22, 2025

MURFREESBORO, NC – It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of James Edward “Jim” Farmer, who departed this life peacefully on May 21, 2025, at Cypress Glen in Greenville, North Carolina.

Born to Oscar James Farmer and Eunice Mae Brewer Farmer Nichols on September 28, 1930, in Union, Hertford County, North Carolina, Jim lived a fulfilling life enriched with love, service, and devotion. He was 94 years old.

Jim was one of ten children and was the last one living of a large and loving family. A man of steadfast dedication, Jim stayed home to care for his mother after graduating from high school before being drafted into the United States Army in 1949. During his military service, he distinguished himself as a medical specialist, famously known among comrades for his aversion to the top bunk.

Following his honorable service, Jim pursued higher education with unwavering commitment. He achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Bob Jones University and later earned a Master’s degree in Adult Education from East Carolina University. His academic journey also led him through studies at Northeastern University and the University of North Carolina campuses at Chapel Hill and Greensboro.

Jim’s career began in retail, but he soon found his calling as a minister with the Pentecostal Holiness Church in San Marcos, Texas, serving from 1957 to 1960. In 1960, he transitioned to assistant manager of productions with Religious Films, Inc., and, in 1961, became a minister at the Church of Good Shepherd in Tallahassee, Florida. His passion for education led him to teaching positions at Madison-Mayodan City Schools and later at New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, NC.

He played a pivotal role at Hertford County Schools, Ahoskie High School, where he served as Teacher/Coordinator starting in 1967. With great foresight, Jim established the Office of Cooperative Education in 1971 and the Office of Evening Director in 1976. From 1971 to 1987, he made invaluable contributions as Director of Resource Development/Title III at Beaufort Community College in Washington, North Carolina.

Throughout his career, Jim was honored with numerous accolades, including honorary life membership in the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America and the North Carolina Association of Distributive Education Clubs of America. He was a former President of the NC Association of Distributive Education Teachers and Vice President of the NC Vocational Association. His leadership extended to roles such as the Director of the NC Cooperative Education Association and service on several boards, including the Aulander-Millennium Development Association and the Gallery Theatre. May James Edward “Jim” Farmer rest in eternal peace, rejoining those he loved within the embrace of everlasting grace.

Music, drama, and community theatre brought Jim joy outside his professional endeavors, fostering community connections and personal enlightenment.

In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sarah Rachels Farmer, and his beloved siblings, Ernest “Friday” Farmer, Sam Farmer, Ray Farmer, Alvah “Nick” Nichols, Emma F. Jones, Velma F. Mitchell, Dorothy F. Pritchard, Idell F. Harrell, and Sylvia N. Baisey. Jim is survived by a special niece, Evelyn Ann Rawls and husband Ray, special friends, John Brown and wife Vicki and children, and Daniel Le Roux, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless other extended family members and friends who will forever hold his memory dear.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, where visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Rev. Taylor Latham. Interment will follow at Job Cemetery in Aulander, North Carolina.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to Chowan University, C/O Music Department, One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by visiting tmc.funding/search fund, type- James Farmer.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.garrettsykesfs.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, (252) 332-3122.