James Roy Farmer

CLAYTON – James Roy Farmer, Sr., 88, passed away in the early hours of Friday, August 1, 2025.

He was born in Wilson County on December 26, 1936, the son of the late Roy Thomas Farmer and Gladys Moore Farmer. James grew up on his family’s tobacco farm where he learned the value of a strong work ethic. The physical demands of life on the farm served him well during his basic training with the armed forces. James graduated from Elm City High School with honors in 1955.

James honorably served his country in the US Air Force ending his term of enlistment with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the Air Force, James was able to incorporate his cherished pastime of baseball, serving as a starting pitcher for his Air Force base baseball team when they played other Air Force bases. Baseball continued to remain a lifelong pastime along with quail hunting.

James attended Atlantic Christian College in Wilson (now Barton) where he received his B.S. in Accounting. He would go on to serve as the first Tax Manager for Carolina Power & Light, better known as “CP&L.” James also served as the Accounting Manager for the Indian Head Corporation. He would later become a partner with James A. Lucas, Sr. (1974 - 1976) with the firm James A. Lucas & Company, LLP. On July 1, 1976, James started his own accounting practice, James R. Farmer, CPA, which served the Garner community for over fifty years.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth “Peggy” Russell Farmer, who passed away in 2003. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Becky Sue Pearson and brothers, Cuyler Farmer, Willis Farmer, and Thomas Farmer.

James is survived by his sons, James Roy Farmer, Jr. and wife, Debbie Farmer of Raleigh, Timothy Mark Farmer of Clayton, and Stephen Russell Farmer and wife, Stacy Bumgarner Farmer of Raleigh; grandchildren, Chris Roberts and wife, Keri, Amber Jones and husband, Andrew, Sophie Farmer; great-grandchildren, Rebekah and Autumn; sisters, Jeanette Davis and Faye Pearson; brother, John Stanley Farmer; and a host of extended family and friends.

A private graveside service was held for immediate family at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina at dementianc.org.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com