----Source: NEILLSVILLE PRESS (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 05/09/1929

Farning, James F. (14 Mar 1897 - 1 May 1929)

James F. Farning passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 1, at the home of his cousins, Mr. and Mrs. James Paulus, at the age of 32 years, 1 month and 18 days. He was taken sick in Chicago on the last day of February, and in hopes that a change from a large city to a smaller town might be beneficial, Mrs. Paulus went to Chicago, and James, with his wife and baby returned her with her, and since that time he has received at the Paulus home all that kind and loving relatives and friends could do to nurse him back to health; but notwithstanding all that was done, his strength gradually grew less and less until the end came.

James Franklin Farning was born on a farm in the town of Grant, Clark County, Wis. March 14, 1897, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farning. When he was about 3 years of age the family moved to Neillsville, the father dying about 2 years later. When James was 12 years old his mother also died, and he and his sister, Gertrude, went to make their home with his cousins, Mr. and Mrs. James Paulus, who ever since have been to them as parents. James was naturally a very bright boy, learned readily at school, where he made a fine record. He graduated from Neillsville High School in the class of 1915. Later he went to Appleton where he graduated from Bushey's Business College and began work as a bookkeeper, securing experience with several firms. For a time he worked in the Chili State Bank, and then what looked like an advancement came through the offer of a position at Grey Bull, Wyoming. Soon after going there this country entered the World War and he enlisted in the Navy, serving to the close of the War. During his service he made three trips across the ocean and back. After his return home he went to Valparaiso, Ind., to attend college and perfect himself as an accountant, going from there into Chicago, where positions and promotions opened up to him, as his abilities and faithfulness became known. For the past three years he has been Office Manager for Shakleton Brothers, a large real estate firm.

On Dec. 15, 1927, he was married to Miss Charlotte Clevinger in Chicago, who with them baby daughter, Jean, five months old, survive.

Not only in Neillsville did James Farning have a circle of firm friends, everywhere he went it was the same, even in a large city like Chicago, he became well known and enjoyed a wide range of friends, who during his illness have testified in many ways to their esteem for him and their hopes for his recovery.

Few more pathetic deaths have ever occurred in Neillsville; he is called just in the prime of life, when he was firmly established in a useful position; he leaves a young wife and little babe to both of whom he was deeply devoted; he leaves a large group of relatives and friends who had rejoiced in his fine record and looked forward hopefully to his future. On the Other hand he leaves to all those who mourn his death, the happy memories of his friendship, and to all, especially to the young people of our community he has left the example of a life well spent.

Besides his wife and child, he leaves his sister, Miss Gertrude Farning, who was with him in Chicago and came here to assist in caring for him in his illness; there are also living her his uncle, Wm. Farning, Sr.; his cousins, Mrs. Paulus and Wm. Farning Jr., besides many other cousins residing elsewhere, all of whom were greatly attached to him.

The funeral was held Saturday morning at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Weber officiating. The pallbearers were members of the American Legion, and a firing squad from the Service Company, in uniform, attended to do military honors at the grave.