James Hardie Farquharson

ROCKLAND - James H. Farquharson, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at his home at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community in Rockland, Maine.
James was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on February 16, 1933, to James and Ann E. (Barr) Farquharson. Growing up in Paterson, he attended local schools and played football before graduating from Hawthorne High School in 1950.
At a young age, Jim became involved with The Order of DeMolay through the Paterson Masonic Lodge of Freemasons. It was through these youth organizations that he met the love of his life, Ruth, who was active with the Rainbow Girls and served as the Grand Worthy Advisor for the State of New Jersey. After courting for several years, the two were married on January 1, 1954. In the early years of their marriage, Ruth and Jim lived with her parents in Clifton before purchasing their own home in West Paterson in 1958. Jim went on to become a Mason and remained a dedicated adult volunteer and mentor with the DeMolay.
In his late teens, Jim worked a few different jobs but found he enjoyed roofing most of all. His career was briefly paused when he was called to serve his country in the United States Army, serving from April 1953 until his honorable discharge in April 1955. After completing his active-duty service, Jim returned to his passion for roofing. However, as his family grew, he transitioned into what would become a lifelong career with New Jersey Bell.
Together, Jim and Ruth enjoyed a very active social life and shared a deep love for travel. Their adventures took them around the world to Germany, Russia, Bermuda, Scotland, Alaska, and across the United States.
After many wonderful years in New Jersey, Jim and Ruth moved to Maine in 2010, to be near their daughter Ruth Anne and their granddaughter Rose. They enjoyed forming new friendships and discovering the beauty of Maine.
Jim was a gifted craftsman and woodworker, known for handcrafting high-quality clocks, kitchen cabinets, tables and desks. Beyond his hobbies, he was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. Faith and community were central to his life; he and Ruth were deeply active and dedicated members of Christ Church in Totowa, New Jersey, where Jim proudly served on the Vestry as Senior Warden for many years. After moving to Rockland Jim and Ruth joined the Episcopal Church of St. John Baptist in Thomaston, Maine.
Jim was predeceased by his parents James and Anne Farquharson; his beloved wife, Ruth Farquharson; and his brothers, Robert and Douglas Farquharson.
He is survived by his two daughters, Ruth Anne Hohfeld of Rockland, ME and Cathleen Kilpatrick and her husband, Todd of Bethlehem, PA; his granddaughter, Rose Valentine Hohfeld; his great-grandchildren, Leda and Nina Peters of Rhode Island; and many nieces and nephews whom he deeply loved.
A memorial service will be held on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church of St. John Baptist, 200 Main Street, Thomaston with a small reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James' memory to: St. John's Outreach Committee 200 Main Street, Thomaston, ME 04861 or https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-onetime/4815686. Donations can also be made to the AIO Food & Energy Assistance P.O. Box 113, Rockland, Maine 04841 https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/donate-now .2d:{"d