James Brian McFarland

James Brian McFarland was born March 20, 1948 in Hancock, Michigan, to Dalton and Esther (Morse) McFarland. He died of natural causes on June 6, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. James was a passionate advocate for issues related to health, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He devoted himself to the arts and to making the world a better place.

Jim graduated from East Lansing High School in 1966 and went on to Michigan State University where he graduated with a BA in Diversified Social Sciences in 1971. He took time off from his studies to experience living and working in both California and New Orleans. He was called back from New Orleans when his mother, Esther, was ill in 1969. On September 26, 1969, he married Toni Benedict (Landick). Over the next five years, his beloved daughters were born: Michelle in 1970 and Jessica in 1974. Jim and Toni were divorced in 1981.

After James graduated from MSU he worked in the mental health field, setting up housing, work, and daily skill training for developmentally disabled adults. James eventually followed a lifelong dream of living on a small, self-sufficient homestead and moved with his family to Mendon, Michigan in 1976. Jim worked with and learned from his Uncle Ralph on his 4000 acre commercial farm in Scotts, Michigan. His interest in lifelong education led Jim to team up with his friend and colleague, Pat McMahon, to create SMILE Inc. (Southwest Michigan Institute for Lifelong Education) which was devoted to adult education, family life skills, and personal growth and development. During that period, Jim pursued training in Transactional Analysis.

In 1978, Jim and his family moved back to East Lansing where he was engaged in rehabbing their family home and beginning to design, build, and distribute Japanese soaking tubs called Furo, a trademark that is still in production today. The Furo was designed to enhance health and well being. James also loved to fly and was given his first lessons at an early age by his Uncle Ralph, one of James’ heroes. In 1982 he earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed every minute he spent flying, especially when he could share it with a friend.

James established his company, Hotwater Works, Inc. in 1978, expanding from the Furo tub to an extensive line of products designed for health benefits and enjoyment. He opened his first store in 1981 in East Lansing and by 1997 opened his current location at 2116 East Michigan Avenue in Lansing. His building is an expression of Jim’s dream to provide a community space for musical jam sessions and performances, the display of his artwork, and a place where people can gather. Many friends and community members have enjoyed time spent there, singing, dancing, listening to music, enjoying food together, and creating a community that creates and sustains joy. James loved to spend time with friends, playing his piano, drums, and guitars with abandon.

James is preceded in death by his father Dalton Edward McFarland, his mother Esther Flora (Morse) McFarland, his grandparents McFarland and Morse; Uncle Bob McFarland, Uncle Bill Morse and Aunt Ann; Uncle Ralph Smith and Aunt Marge (Morse) Smith; Uncle Robert Knepple and Aunt Joan (Morse) Knepple.

Surviving James are his beloved daughters and their families: Michelle and Brian Humes, Maxwell (14), Grace (11), and Jack (9); Jessica and Eric Graham, Lily (11) and Ella (8); Brothers Tom McFarland (Bev McFarland, former spouse of 28 years); Ross McFarland and Toni (Jones) McFarland; Former wife, Toni (Benedict) Landick; Beloved nephews, Gabe (Cathy) McFarland ), Zach (Christy) McFarland, Luke (Meagan) McFarland, Andy (Jenna) McFarland, Daniel (An Le) McFarland, and Connor Landick.

A service of remembrance will be held at Edgewood United Church, 469 Hagadorn Road, East Lansing on Friday, July 14 at 3pm followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at his store, Hotwater Works, 2116 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing. We will gather at approximately 5:30pm. In the tradition of gatherings at Hotwater Works, we will share food, music, and favorite memories of James.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in the honor of James to the Jaz Alliance of Mid- Michigan PO Box 1792 East Lansing, MI 48826, the Arts Council of Greater Lansing 1208 Turner St., Lansing, MI 48906, or Keys to Creativity 5746 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel. On line condolences may be made at

www.greastlansing.com