Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, John Jack Campbell Farmer, M.D. was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was his beloved family. He was well known and loved in his community with a desire to serve his patients to the best of his ability. Jack traveled the world over, and although he saw some of the most amazing things that one could ever hope to see he loved nothing more than being surrounded by his loved ones. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow him. The Roaring Twenties were some of the most vibrant days we have seen as a nation when affordable cars, radios, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the time. It was on February 18, 1925, during this exciting time, that Edward Campbell and Beatrice (Campbell) Farmer, from Muskegon, Michigan, were filled with great joy to announce the birth of their son, John Jack Campbell. He was the third of four children in his family, born and raised in the family home on Clinton Street across from Hackley Hospital alongside his older siblings, Edward "Cam" and Samuel, and his younger sister, Judith. Jacks father practiced law in Muskegon and also served as City Attorney of Muskegon and Director of National Lumbermans Bank while his mother was a homemaker and fantastic bridge player. John was a bustle of activity right from the start. Everyone knew everyone on Clinton Street, and he loved playing around with other neighborhood kids. John enjoyed going to movies at Michigan Theater in downtown Muskegon and made friends with ease, many of whom became lifelong friends. He enjoyed sailing and racing at White Lake Yacht Club. The family enjoyed spending the summer at their cottage on Scenic Drive on the shores of Lake Michigan right across from Red Rooster. Jack attended prep school at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he played lacrosse. After graduating from prep school in 1943, Jack served in the Army as part of the 75th Infantry Division, Company G 291. His company played a key role in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. Jack served in Belgium and France throughout most of his term, and since he was fluent in French, his commander often asked him for assistance with translation when they entered various French villages. For several years after his time in the military Jack enjoyed attending annual reunions in Louisville, Kentucky. With his military duties fulfilled, John returned to Princeton University, graduating in 1950. He then went on to Northwestern Center Feinberg School of Medicine and graduated 1954. Life was forever changed for John when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Aurilla, and she was an x-ray technician at Wesley Hospital in Chicago. It was love at first sight, and Jack and Aurilla were married within six months, on November 29, 1958, in New Jersey. The newlyweds settled in Muskegon where they welcomed four children into their hearts and home, Andrew, Kate, Greg, and Edward. Circle Drive in North Muskegon was where John called home for 50 years until his death. There were countless memories made as a family including their Sunday night picnics at Bay Mills in North Muskegon with family and friends during the summer. While in Europe during his time in the military, Jack fell in love with his surroundings and took several trips there through the years including many trips to France. He did his research by reading travel guides, which meant that he took his family on some of the most unique trips imaginable including a trip to Ireland and traveling by train across the United States to a dude ranch in Western Montana. Trips to Beaver Island were also family favorites. Throughout his career Jack practiced internal medicine in Muskegon for over 30 years. He was dedicated to his work and was known for pulling long hours to make house calls or visit patients while making rounds at the hospitals when needed. For several years Jack was chief of staff at Mercy Hospital. When he was on call, he made sure to get to the hospital despite inclement weather or anything else he had going on at the time. Jack officially retired in June in of 1994. Jacks life was enriched in countless ways. He enjoyed things like playing golf at the Muskegon Country Club as well as fishing on the Pere Marquette River at Cannons and the Fin and Feather in Baldwin. Jack was an avid history buff who enjoyed reading history books with an extensive book collection to showcase this love. Jack enjoyed photography, especially when he was chronicling moments shared with family and friends, and he had several photo albums filled with trips and parties. He even developed some of his own work in his basement darkroom. Jack also enjoyed taking movies with his 16 millimeter and Super 8 camera. He and Rill hosted numerous parties in their home over the years including their favorite, their annual New Years Eve party when guests wore favorite hats and dressed in tuxedos. Many of Jack and his wifes parties included dancing to big band music out on the porch to favorites such as Artie Shaw and Bennie Goodman. In 2008 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special party at the Muskegon Country Club. During his first year of retirement Jack rented a large motorhome, which he and Rill drove to New England and Canada. They also enjoyed a few more trips to England, France, and Hawaii as well as visiting their kids across the country. Jack enjoyed one last trip to France in 2010. At home he loved walking the trails and dunes at Muskegon State Park with his dog, Lizzie, as he had several dogs as companions through the years. He also loved listening to music and could often be found sitting out on his porch listening to his extensive music collection. Jack also had season tickets to the West Shore Symphony for a time. All who knew Dr. John "Jack" Campbell Farmer would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was filled with compassion for others and strived to do his best every day. Jacks love for his family was unmatched, and he was blessed to share most of his lifes journey with the love of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Dr. John "Jack" Campbell Farmer died on Saturday morning February 1st, 2014. Johns family includes his beloved children, Andy (Shari) Farmer of New Brunswick, NJ, Kate (fianc Kurt Pentheny) Farmer of Seattle, WA, Greg (Susan) Farmer of Ada, Michigan, and Ned (Elissa) Farmer of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren; brother, the Honorable Edward C. (Kim) Farmer, Jr. of Muskegon. Jack was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Samuel C. Farmer, III; and sister, Judy Farmer Garland. Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he was a long time member and served on the vestry, with Rev. Everett H. Klein officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Jacks family and friends onThursday, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.
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