James M. Farnum

12/25/2001

James M. Farnum, 96, formerly of Cherry Hill Road, more recently of Martin Avenue, Lee, died Tuesday at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Worcester on Jan. 11, 1905, son of Frederick Lamb Farnum and Caroline McConaughy Farnum, his family moved to Grafton in 1905 and he attended schools there until his third year of high school. He then transferred to the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H., from which he graduated in 1924. He received a bachelor of science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1928, and a master of science degree in organic chemistry in 1931. In 1933, he joined Taylor Fibre Co. in Norristown, Pa., where he set up and administered the laboratory. He joined the sales department of the former Hurlbut Paper Co. in South Lee, now Mead Corp., in 1952, as a technical representative for domestic sales and, later, foreign sales until his retirement in 1968. Mr. Farnum was a lifelong member of the Stockbridge Congregational Church, where he, at various times, served as deacon, clerk and was on the board of trustees. He also sang with the choir for more than 25 years. He also was a lifelong member of the Pulp and Paper Industry. He enjoyed photography, hiking, cycling, woodworking and reading. After his retirement, he enjoyed the historical room at the Stockbridge Library and was a reader for the Recording for the Blind in Lenox for 25 years. He leaves two sons, Robert Farnum of Great Barrington and Alexander Farnum of Sedona, Ariz.; a daughter, Anne Fix of Lee; four grandchildren, and his former wife, Amy Winifred Riggs Loungway of Lee. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in Mr. Farnum's memory may be made to the Stockbridge Library or to the Perkins School for the Blind through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, reflections and memories may also be sent to finnerty@bcn.net.

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