James (Jim) E. Farmer, 89, of Owatonna, died Monday, March 24, 2014, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Georgia. Jim was born February 28, 1925, in Howesville, Indiana the son of Harry and Essie (Miller) Farmer where he and his brother Jack operated the family farm until 1945. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Dottie Block on March 1, 1949 in Elysian, Minnesota. The couple moved to Owatonna in 1952. Jim worked in heavy construction in Mankato and drove dairy trucks for two creameries before hiring on at the Minnesota Highway Department, which he retired from in 1984 after 31 years of service. Jim enjoyed traveling, visiting relatives, and a variety of activities and hobbies during his life in Steele and Waseca Counties including carpentry, tinkering with cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, lawn mowers and other small engines, along with planting his annual garden. After the passing of his late wife, Jim found enjoyment in helping others through volunteerism at Habitat for Humanity and other community service activities and a more recent interest in ancestry research. He is survived by his three sons, James L. Farmer of Lacrosse, WI, Rick (and Brinda) Farmer of Statesboro, GA; Barry Farmer of Douglas, WY; and two grandchildren Nicholas and Karaline, niece Patsy Hadley, nephew Norman (and Mary) Farmer, several grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dottie Farmer, September 12, 1998, and his brother Jack Farmer, July 1984 and nephew Eddie Farmer, October 4, 1973. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, March 30, 2014, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, 2014, at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with Pastor John Linde officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. Visitation: 03/30/2014 14:00 03/30/2014 16:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home 03/31/2014 11:00