James David McFarland Sr., 85, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Loch Haven Nursing Home in Macon, Missouri.

Born August 31, 1932 in Green City, Missouri, James was the son of the late Frank and Naomi (Mobley) McFarland. On April 10, 1955 in Unionville, Missouri, James was united in marriage to Lola Marie Truitt who preceded him in death on August 23, 2005. He was also preceded in death by one daughter Debra Ann McFarland, four brothers, and 2 sisters.

James is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law, James David "Fonz" and Linda McFarland Jr. of Greentop, MO, Gary Dale McFarland of Kirksville, MO, Randy Dean and Janice McFarland of Green Castle, MO, and Samuel G. and Lynn McFarland of Kirksville, MO; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Ronnie McFarland and Marvin McFarland both of Tucson, AZ, and Cleo and Dianna McFarland of Winchester, IN; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

James was raised and received his education in Green City, Missouri. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged James returned home and worked at Florsheim Shoe Factory in Kirksville. He then moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, later to LaPorte City, Iowa and was employed for John Deere in Davenport, Iowa for thirty years until retiring. James later moved to Green City, MO until 1993 when he made his home in Novinger, MO.

James loved country music shows attending many shows in the area, he enjoyed traveling, and loved working on his farm with his cattle. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #2508 of Kirksville.

Public visitation will be held Sunday, February 25, 2018 with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Bishop Colin Sorhus officiating. Interment will follow the service at Lutz Cemetery, south of Novinger, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Josh McFarland, Jason McFarland, Mathew McFarland, Tye Robbins, T.J. Maylum and Sam McFarland.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of James McFarland may be made to the Lutz Cemetery and may be mailed to or left at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.