James Calvin Farnes

James Calvin Farnes (Jim) of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He succumbed to Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma at the age of fifty-six.

James (Jim) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 21, 1968, to Elden and Ila June (Johnson) Farnes. He was the fifth of six children. He grew up with a passion for boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, snow skiing, and motorcycling alongside his family. During his teenage years, wrestling became his sport of choice.

Jim grew up in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. It was in Wright, Wyoming, where he first met the girl he would one day marry, Jennifer Corbett. They met on October 31, 1984, at a Halloween dance and quickly became friends. Although Jim and Jennifer never dated in high school, they later reconnected and fell in love, marrying on August 8, 1992, in Worland, Wyoming. The couple was later sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland, Oregon Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 12, 1994.

Jim was a skilled diesel mechanic who also specialized in welding and fabricating equipment and parts. His professional talents led the newlywed couple to Seattle, Washington, where they established their first home. It was in Seattle that Jim and Jennifer welcomed their first son, Hayden James Farnes, in October 1993. The family later relocated to Portland, Oregon, where they were blessed with two more sons: Hunter Robert Farnes, born in January 1996, and Harrison Brinkerhoff Farnes, born in June 1998. Jim affectionately referred to his boys as "My 3 Sons" , a nod to the popular sitcom that originated in the 1960s.

Jim and Jennifer eventually left the Northwest and relocated their family to Las Vegas, Nevada, a place they had both vowed they would never call home. However, as Jim remarked, “The Lord had other plans.” The move to Las Vegas brought numerous joys, blessings, and enduring friendships for the family. Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for the Clark County School District, while Jennifer completed her college education and became a teacher, supported by Jim’s unwavering love and encouragement. Nevertheless, returning to Wyoming remained their ultimate goal, and in 2015, the family departed Las Vegas and returned to the place where Jim first fell in love with Jennifer—Campbell County. 

While Jennifer worked as a teacher, Jim utilized his mechanical and welding skills to support his sons in their growing business. Although he did not receive a salary, he derived immense satisfaction from imparting his knowledge and teaching his three sons the value of self-reliance. 

Jim was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he lived his life in a manner that exemplified his love for the Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a caring father, always willing to listen and make sacrifices. As a husband, he was honorable and supportive of Jennifer, consistently assisting her with challenging church and school projects. Each day, he made it a point to express his love for her. Jennifer attributes her well-being to her loving husband, who has saved her in countless ways. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Jennifer Lynn (Corbett) Farnes, and his sons, Hayden J. Farnes, Hunter R. Farnes, and Harrison B. Farnes, along with their spoiled family dog, Lucy, all of Gillette, Wyoming. He is also survived by his siblings: Scott (Susan) Farnes of Idaho, John Farnes of Oregon, Karma Johnson of Nebraska, and Mary Heather Gonzalez of Idaho. Additionally, Jim leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Elden Farnes (2017) and Ila June (Johnson) Farnes (2024), as well as his sister, Connie Yarger (2023); brother-in-law, Shane Yarger (2013); sister-in-law, Cecilia Stratton (Scott) Farnes (2017); and nephew, Jason Yarger (2017).

Jim’s favorite number was 13, so in his honor, services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 1500 Ohara Drive, Gillette, Wyoming 82718. Jim chose cremation, so there will be no visitation. However, his sons will have Jim’s fire truck at the church to honor their dad with one last ride as his favorite 80s music plays. 

A special thank you from the family is extended to the many caregivers who selflessly served and cared for Jim as he fought against cancer. We were truly blessed to witness many angels among us in the form of nurses, doctors, and CNAs in Gillette and Casper. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the hospice caregivers in Campbell County who ensured that Jim was comfortable and well cared for in his home, surrounded by his family. We could not have made it through this difficult time without each of you. Finally, we express our immense gratitude to the many family members and friends who provided meals, monetary donations, love, prayers, and comfort. We have been incredibly blessed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northeast Wyoming Community Health Foundation in Jim's name. This organization provided invaluable support to our family during our time of need, and we are eternally grateful.

Jim was a humble man who did not seek material possessions. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back. We encourage all who knew and loved him to pay it forward and make a positive impact in the lives of those around you, whether they are friends or strangers.

While we understand that this separation is temporary, as families are eternal, Jim’s absence has left an irreplaceable void. “The only way to take the sorrow out of death is to take the love out of life” (Russell M. Nelson, 1992). Therefore, love those around you with unwavering passion, and never let a day pass without expressing and demonstrating just how much you care.