Dr James Edward Farner

Jan. 5, 1923 - March 6, 2013
SOUTH BEND - James E. Farner, MD, Father, Physician, Family Patriarch, Fisherman and Bridge Life Master, was born in Akron, Ohio, on January 5, 1923, the son of Daniel and Helen Farner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Farner (Russell), and brother, Bob Farner.

Jim spent his early youth in Garrett, Indiana, with his grandparents, Orpha and Arthur Farner. Through adolescence and for nearly his entire adult life, he lived in South Bend, Indiana. He played a key role on the 1940 championship basketball team at South Bend Central High School, which was coached by the now legendary John Wooden.

Although he excelled athletically, he derived the greatest satisfaction from his academic accomplishments. Jim attended Indiana University and then went on to graduate in 1945 from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. After serving as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, Jim attended The University of Michigan and then earned his medical degree at Indiana University's School of Medicine. He practiced medicine first as a general practitioner in Mishawaka, Indiana. He then trained at Northwestern University's School of Medicine and The Cleveland Clinic in gastroenterology, after which he returned to South Bend in 1970 to become the region's first practicing gastroenterologist.

In his last years, his most important patient became his wonderful wife, Alice, whom he cared for selflessly during her eight-year battle with Alzheimer's.

Throughout his life, Jim gathered every summer with his family at their cottage on Walloon Lake in northern Michigan. As an avid Smallmouth Bass angler, Jim was known as Walloon's premier fisherman. He was a founding member of the Walloon Finatics Fishing Club. He also spent many competitive hours at the card tables of both The South Bend Bridge Center and the Petoskey Bridge Club. The one lifelong goal Jim did not achieve was to live long enough to see his Chicago Cubs win the World Series! Jim is survived by his sister, Betty Meyer; daughter, Liz; sons, Matt, Pete and John Farner; daughter-in-law, Betsy Farner; and grandchildren, Peter, James, Annie, Mary Farner, Jack and Tom Rupp, and Sushila Stegman.

He requested no formal service, but a memorial gathering will be held early this summer to celebrate his wonderful 90 years. His family members may be reached at Matt@Farner.net, Pete@Farner.net, Liz@Farner.net and John@Farner.net. .
Published in South Bend Tribune from Mar. 10 to Mar. 13, 2013

07/19/2022 EJS