James Francis McFarland

James Francis “Jim” McFarland

With his beloved wife of 58 years, Millie, by his side, James “Jim” McFarland, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, at their home in Santa Fe.Jim was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 14, 1946 to John Francis and Mildred (Pond) McFarland. He graduated from McHenry High School in McHenry, Illinois, in 1964 and matriculated to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where, a year later, in the fall of 1965, he met the love of his life, Millie, who lived in the women’s dorm across the street. They married at dawn in a park in Crystal Lake, Illinois in 1967, the beginning of an adventurous journey that took them around the country together.

Jim loved to travel and experience new things. He also loved woodworking and crafted many items helpful to his family. He also loved to landscape and garden, especially home grown cabbages, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Like his Scot ancestors, he was gifted in building stone walls and produced one that is still visible alongside Goldmine Road in the Village of Cerrillos. He also terraced with stone.

Jim loved music and played both piano and guitar. His collection of songs is vast and varied.

He was also a pet owner, and loved having a kitty on his lap. He and Millie stayed in shape partly to always having a canine friend to walk and hike with. Pets are the best!

Jim lived a good life and will be desperately missed by his wife, family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife Millie; his brother John McFarland (Helen); his sister Mary Virginia Lindquist; nephews John Lindquist, Jeffrey Lindquist (Suellen), Michael Lindquist (June), and Dean Vermond (Crystal Wood); and nieces Mary Beth McFarland (William Napolillo), Kathleen Kennedy (Patrick), Nicole Vermond (Andre Langevin), Kira Vermond (David Carpenter), and Amy Vermond. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his loving sister Margaret McFarland and his brother-in-law Richard Lindquist.

A service to commemorate Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, November 13, 4 – 7 p.m. at Santa Fe Funerals & Cremations.

If you would like to share a story or play a tune, we will have time set aside from 5-6pm for you to speak, sing, etc. Hope to see you there!!