James "Jim" Robert Farren

James "Jim" Robert Farren, age 72, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation on December 17, 2024. Jim was in a way a "miracle" baby, born on January 25, 1952 in Pontiac, MI to parents David and Vera (Bechtelheimer) Farren after being in an auto accident while the ambulance his mother was riding in collided with another vehicle. His mother suffered fractured ribs and multiple bruises but Jim was successfully birthed later that morning.

Jim was the 6th boy of 8 children in his family. He was a very hard worker most of his life, beginning his working career at 13/14 years of age taking care of a man that had polio.He was 15 years old when his mother, father, and he moved up to the Grayling area. Jim had to cut firewood to heat the house, plow the road, garden, help take care of the family home, and go to school. He worked many factory jobs and worked with others. Jim followed in his father's footsteps and continued the family business, starting his own J&J Well Drilling. He drilled many of the wells in the area providing good drinking water.

Jim could do just about anything. His passion was woodworking. He made so many beautiful unique items; one of a kind just like him.

Jim didn't have children of his own but was a father to many. He was a sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and even raced at Merritt Speedway.

Everyone that was blessed to know him will tell you he is the nicest man you ever could meet. He was a hero to his sister Donna. On December 17, 2024 he was finally reunited with the love of his life, Jeanie Olszewski.

Jim is survived by his siblings, Donna Farren, Carol (Jeff) Johnson, Bill Farren, and Ken Farren; step-daughter Julia Hall; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Chuck, Art, and Wayne; and partner Jeanie Olszewski.

Jim has been cremated and his family wishes to remember him privately during this time.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.