Dr. Allison James "Jim" Farr, PhD

Dr. Allison James “Jim” Farr, PhD was reunited with his wife Karen and the rest of his heavenly family on August 30th, 2023; his 83rd birthday. Jim spent his final days in the constant presence of his two children and the caring staff at Methodist Village Senior Living.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Henderson Farr and Verise Uzell Mathis Farr; his siblings, Bobby Farr and Rema Allen; as well as his wife, Karen Lynn Farr to whom he was happily married for fifty-four years. Jim is survived by his daughter, Allison Lynn Walden and her husband Michael; his son, David Reagan Farr and his wife Jessica; and his grandchildren, Caitlin Jane Walden and Daniel Robison Walden and Cody James Farr and Ryan Masters Farr. Jim was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on August 30th, 1940. While in high-school Jim raised chickens and sold eggs to help support his family, which laid the foundation for his lifelong interest in poultry. After graduating from Calhoun High School in 1958, Jim received a series of scholarships that enabled him to attend Louisiana State University. At L.S.U. Jim majored in Poultry Science and was a member of the Future Farmers of America and Vice President and Chairman of the First Baptist Church’s Resident Association Group. Jim enjoyed being an L.S.U. Tiger and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in January 1963. Jim was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He went on to earn a Masters of Science from LSU, majoring in Poultry Nutrition, and minoring in Physiology. He subsequently earned a PhD, initially studying at University of Georgia and then following his major professor to Mississippi State University, where he completed his Doctorate with a major in Poultry Products and Technology and minor in Poultry Nutrition. While attending LSU, Jim met Karen, and they married on August 1, 1964. They traveled together with two young kids in tow while Jim completed his studies, landing in Ithaca, New York where he worked with Agway and Cornell’s Extension Service. After a few northern winters, Jim and Karen moved to Athens, Georgia, where he began a career in academia, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses and conducting research.

Following several years at UGA, Jim and Karen moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to be closer to Karen’s family, and Jim joined the faculty at Louisiana State University. During the 30 years he spent at LSU, Jim worked in the Department of Poultry Science and The Department of Food Science. Jim held multiple Patents from his research and spent several years consulting on food safety and plant management after retiring from teaching. Jim was very proud of his academic work and loved educating others about his field. He was a frequent speaker at industry events and a “go-to” judge for local science fairs.

Jim’s hobbies mostly involved activities that he could share with Karen. They both enjoyed shopping for antiques, and over time Jim became an expert at restoring and refinishing antique furniture. Growing up on a farm Jim maintained a lifelong love of animals. He was especially fond of his Australian shepherds all of whom he trained and dotted on like children. Jim had a wonderful energy and never met a stranger. He would tell anyone who would listen about poultry, nutrition, and especially his children and grandchildren. Despite some meaningful health challenges as he got older, Jim never lost his positive outlook or his love of people. We are very grateful to the friends, neighbors and caretakers who provided so much love and support to Dad during this journey. There will be a visitation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd, on Tuesday, September 5, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Graveside services will be at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, Mississippi, on September 6 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rabenhorsteast.com for the Farr family.