Goodbye James Farmer!

So often, we get to a point in our lives when we come to a crossroad of sorts in our day-to-day living that certain events can leave us befuddled. When we see the senseless loss of lives or those suddenly taken from us without warning, it’s a hard pill to swallow. This morning, shortly after everyone got to work, we learned that one of the members of our corporate family passed away last night.

James Farmer, our CFO left us suddenly, unexpectedly and in a state of shock. Although we felt like life itself was momentarily sucked out of us when we read the corporate email from our President, we had to refocus on praying for his family. Loss is something that seems to be all too familiar to us the older we get. Perhaps it’s because it sinks in more than it did when we were younger. Or perhaps it is hitting home more than we realize. Or maybe it’s because of the relationships we build, whether personal or professional, are broken without warning at times.

For a while, we find that we are kinder, more sensitive to the needs of others and even more prayerful than we probably were before coming to work. Yet, at the same time, we feel compassion for the pain that James’ wife, children and the rest of his family are going through right now. We pray that God will grant them continued strength, comfort and healing.

We will always remember his huge smile, how he always dressed professionally and neatly (I never ever saw him without a sharp tie) and his strong work ethic. So long James! We will certainly miss you!