James Ion Farris, Sr., 81, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2009 at McGraw Center for Caring following a long illness. Jim is a Jacksonville native with 22 years at Station #13, Jacksonville City Fire Dept. He also worked with the Jacksonville Port Authority for 13 years as an air crash fireman. He retired with the rank of Captain. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Velma Wyant Farris of 54 years, his parents and his sister, Maryann Farris. He is survived by three children: Linda Farris Guy (Jacksonville), James Ion Farris, Jr. (Lady Lake, FL) and 1st Sgt. Mark D. Farris (Lakeland, FL). He is also survived by two brothers: Dale and Julian Earl Farris (Jacksonville) and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim was a skilled pilot who flew a classy Cessna 170 and logged over 1,900 hours of flight time. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2009 at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. Funeral services and Masonic Rites will be held at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m., Reverend William Mosley officiating. Burial will follow at Jones Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to N. E. Florida Community Hospice, 4114 Sunbeam Rd., Ste. 101, Jacksonville, FL 32257

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