William James Farmer

William James “Jim” Farmer was born on April 11, 1941, in Washington, DC, to William J. Farmer and LaPreal Monson. Two years later, his sister Bonnie was born (1943). The family lived in Alaska for a couple of years. Jim would talk about walking to 2nd grade in the early morning dark, with neighbors standing guard with shotguns—in case of bears! Following Jim’s baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he moved with his mother and sister to Boise, ID. Shortly thereafter, his sister, Susan, was born (1950). In his youth, “Jimmy” enjoyed playing violin and piano. He also split time between his mother’s home in Chevy Chase, MD, and his father’s home in Ogden, UT. During his senior year, he lived with his grandfather, Ezra P. Monson, in Idaho. Jim graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1960. In the yearbook, next to his senior picture, it reads: “Ambition: ‘To see the world, and not with the US Navy.’”

Two months after graduating, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was stationed in San Diego. He served as the personal guard for the Admiral of the USS Helena. When his service ended in 1964, Jim had seen a big slice of the globe: the Western Pacific. He enjoyed seeing Hawaii and ports in the Far East. In 1962, Jim wed Carol Penrod. They had four children: Lane (1964), Adam (1967), Melissa (1969), and Candace “Candy” (1972). After their marriage ended in 1977, Jim moved to Ogden, UT, near his father, stepmother (Ruth Ann Hunter), and two half-siblings (Michael and Frankie).

In 1978, he married Barbara “Bobbie” Norman. They had three daughters: Carrie (1979), Melanie (1981), and Barbara (1984). Jim, Bobbie, and their girls lived in various towns in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, with a short stint in Mesa, AZ. Jim and Bobbie divorced in 2010. In 2014, he married Connie Seel Reaves. Jim and Connie lived in Southern Idaho, near her family. Connie’s family accepted Jim into their family and kindly helped to ensure that his later years were comfortable. Connie and Jim served a service mission for the LDS Church. She was his steadfast companion until the day he died at their home in Chubbuck, ID, on June 30, 2026.

In his adult life, Jim worked a variety of jobs. From 1982 to 1989, Jim served in the Utah National Guard. He often worked in sales— and sold everything from home furnishings to mobile homes to costume jewelry. Jim was also employed in other roles, such as loan officer, night security guard, funeral singer, and manager. A letter of recommendation described him as “dependable,” “diligent,” and “extremely friendly and personable.” Jim was well known for striking up a conversation with whoever he found himself next to. He treated everyone he met the same. He had a beautiful singing voice. Plants thrived under his care. Jim also had a curious mind. He could often be found reading more about one of his many interests, such as martial arts, seafaring, or art. In his own work, Jim explored photography, drawing, cartooning, and painting in various mediums. He shared his passion for art with those in his orbit and often gave away his work.

Jim was a generous, kind, and delightfully quirky soul. He was a sweet and loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather. Jim is already missed. Jim is survived by his 7 children, 23 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He will be interred at the Logan City Cemetery in Logan, UT, on July 9, 2026.

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