James D. McFarland

James Donald McFarland, 95, of Grove City, Ohio passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024. He was born June 18, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late James P. and Francis (Koellicker) McFarland. He was a 1948 graduate of Grove City High School and graduated from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey Officer Candidate School. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. Jim retired at the rank of Major in the Ohio Army National Guard. He spent 25 years working in Claims Management for Nationwide Insurance. He was a Kentucky Colonel and built a successful Amway business. He always liked to keep busy. On May 9th, 1962, Jim married the love of his life, Helen Joyce Smittle. He was an avid golfer, boater on Indian Lake, traveler, and an Ohio State football fan. Jim was a longtime member of First Baptist Church. His faith was very important to him and he shared his love of the Lord with many people over the years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Christa Orlaska and Karen Passmore; and sisters, Vira (Don) Miller and Laverne (Dean) Barnes; Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce McFarland; son, James “Andy” (Mariana) McFarland; grandchildren, Phillip (Sasha) Passmore, Bryan (Karrie) Passmore, Christopher (Liz) Passmore, Jeff (Courtney) Passmore, Meridith (Lance) Allen, Derek (Kelly) Orlaska, Hope Cole, Joseph McFarland, Shawn (Ryan) Doyle, Gabrielle Bradley, Kristine (Wade) Krehbiel, Kailey (Brian) Karga, and James A. McFarland, Jr.; 18 great-grandchildren; sons-in-law, Erick Orlaska and Joseph Passmore; and many other relatives and friends. Jim’s family will receive friends 1-4 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Rd., Grove City where funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2024 at Concord Cemetery. Pastor Rob Stroup officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions, in Jim’s memory, may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout) Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.