James Joseph Farish, Major USAF Retired
James Joseph Farish, age 75, of Monument, Colorado passed away at his home on February 29, 2016.
He was born on June 1, 1940 to Johnie W. and Anna T. (McNeil) Farish in Long Beach, California. Jim, son of a career US Navy man, grew up throughout the US and graduated from Haddon Heights High School, New Jersey. After high school, Jim attended college at Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in education.
He joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned in March, 1963 serving 20 years. Jim had multiple tours in South East Asia during the Vietnam War where he was involved in Air Operations. Jim served in joint service commands as a War Plans Officer. During transferring to Europe, Jim worked as the Program Manager for the Integration of the Airborne Radar System (E-3) in the NATO Command. Upon return to the United States, he was part of the initial cadre of personnel assigned to make the E-3 into the Air Defense of North America. Throughout his Air Force career, Jim received a Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Three Air Force Commendation Medals, and four Vietnam Service Medals. Upon retiring from the United States Air Force, Jim worked with the Aerospace Division and also owned several travel businesses retiring from the business world 21 years later.
He was passionate about playing basketball, skiing, hiking and camping with his family, playing poker, traveling the world with his wife, Jan, and good friends from high school, and was an avid reader.
Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice; his son, Tim; and daughter, Teresa; along with their spouses Stacey and Victor and four grandchildren: Ian, Ella, Addison, and Ashlin.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 N. Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132, to celebrate Jim’s life.