James McFarland

James McFarland, 92, of Lynchburg, went Home to be with the LORD Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Twice married, he was the husband of the late Edith Elvira McFarland and the late Elizabeth (Shearer) McKinney McFarland. Born March 1, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas Graham and Roberta Holman McFarland and was also preceded in death by a brother, William McFarland, M.D. Jim was a pilot with the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of WWII in the Pacific Theatre, where he served on board the aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard, flying a Gruman F6F Hellcat. After his service, he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology, having worked at the telephone company by day and attending school at night. After graduation, Jim worked for Babcock and Wilcox in Barberton, Ohio, later moving to Lynchburg, Virginia, and retiring as a Senior Project Manager with B&W. He was involved with Central Va. Flyers, was an avid tennis player, and helped guide the development of Peakland Pool and Tennis Club’s tennis courts. In later years, he was a U.S. Masters Swimmer, and set a state (LMSC) record in the 50 freestyle, as well as receiving a Top 10 time in the 50 free and 50 backstroke in the 90-94 age group. In his many years in Lynchburg, he was an enthusiastic volunteer and member at Peakland United Methodist Church. He knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and to many, his deeds spoke louder than his words about his faith. Mr. McFarland is survived by a son, James T. McFarland and wife Gloria of Lynchburg; a daughter, Barbara Ann McFarland of San Diego, CA; four step-children, James McKinney and wife Betty of Lynchburg, Beth Martin and husband Will of Washington, NC, Kathy Nichols and husband Howard, and Mike McKinney and wife Leigh-Anne, all of Lynchburg and a special friend, Jacqueline Metcalf of Lynchburg. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April, 2, 2015 at Peakland United Methodist Church with Dr. John Vest officitaing with a Scaterring Service immediatley afterward. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. John MacNeill and the staff of the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, and to the staff of Bentley Commons for the wonderful care provided for Mr. McFarland. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, Peakland U.M. Church, or the Patrick Henry Boys & Girls Home. Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Park Avenue Chapel is serving the family.