James Eugene "Jef" Farmer

James Eugene "Jef" Farmer, 80, of Plainfield, passed away Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 following a fierce battle with cancer. He was born February 18th, 1944 in Martinsville to his parents Charles Eugene and Dorothy Jean (Peachey) Farmer. He married Dianne (Moore) Farmer on October 14th, 1973.

Jef is survived by his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Dianne (Moore) Farmer of Plainfield; daughter, Heidi Brumback (Ryan) of Plainfield; son, Bobby Farmer of Plainfield; four grandchildren: Chase, Cooper, and Camby Brumback, and Monroe Farmer; one brother, Charles David Farmer (Karen); one sister, Cindy Schofield (Jim); sister in law, Debbie Farmer; mother in law, Joy Moore Burkhardt; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Jef is preceded in death by both of his parents; two brothers: Bruce and Ralph Farmer; and one sister, Sandra J. Filipovich.

A gifted athlete, Jef was a 1963 graduate of Decatur Central High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He was Marion County's leading football scorer in 1962. Jef attended Murray State University, where he earned a scholarship to play football. He was invited to the Detroit Lions training camp and was assigned to their Minor League team, the Michigan Arrows. Jef was an entrepreneur and business man, as he joined his dad working for Capitol Oil and would later purchase the business. In 1978, Jef purchased Hoosier Equipment, a construction services company where his brothers Ralph and Charles David joined him in ownership and management for several decades. Jef was a member of the Indianapolis Antelope Club, the Columbia Club, and was a Charter Member of the Marwood Optimist Club, where he was involved in founding the Decatur Youth Football League. He was also a member of a special group of cowboys, "The Wild Bunch" who enjoyed annual horse rides that included spirited card games and conversation. He was a member and former deacon at Camby Community Church.

In 1976, he became a partner in operating the West Newton Softball Diamond and later assumed full ownership. The facility offered softball at many levels, but most of all provided a setting for community involvement and fun. Jef was an outstanding softball player and his teams won two 40 & over National Championships. The majority of his softball career was as sponsor and player for Capitol Oil, but he also played for Leo's Lions Den and Paul Johnson clubs.

Jef had a heart and passion for coaching young people in athletics. He coached both boys and girls in Decatur Township youth leagues, and also served as an unpaid assistant coach in the high school basketball and football programs. He was especially loved and cherished by the Lady Hawks basketball team he coached that included daughter Heidi and friends.

In 1985, Jef was inducted into the Decatur Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2019, he received the prestigious Pride of Decatur Central Award for his lifelong contributions to DC athletics. Along with Dianne, he was also honored with the Alumni of the Year Award for Decatur Central.

Jef was a dedicated family man and will be cherished in memory by the Farmer and Moore families. He loved the many trips with family and friends to Treasure Island Florida, which included the famed Grossburger suite where Jef held dominion. As he battled cancer for several years, Jef's love for Dianne, his kids and his four grandchildren helped him to overcome pain and disability. Chase, Cooper, Monroe and Camby were truly the lights of his life and he was never happier than watching one of them play sports or participate in activities. His generous and giving spirit will be cherished and remembered.

Family and friends may show their love and support from 3 to 7 pm on Monday, May 13th and from 10 to 11 am on Tuesday, May 14th at Jones Crossing Banquet Center, 4161 East Allison Road, Mooresville, IN 46158. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, May 14th at the banquet center following visitation. Jef will be laid to rest at West Newton Cemetery in West Newton.

For those that are unable to attend services, the service will be live streamed and recorded, where it can be watched at a later time. Access will be available via our website the day of the service at service time at www.jonesfamilymortuary.com (http://www.jonesfamilymortuary.com/)

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Jef's memory to Decatur Township Scholarship Association "DTSA", 5251 Kentucky Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46221 or to Camby Community Church, 8604 Camby Rd, Camby, IN 46113

To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Jef, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com