In Memory of

James

M.

McFarland

Sr.

Obituary for James M. McFarland Sr.

James “Jimmy” McFarland was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 12, 1950 to Hasser Peppers McFarland and was raised with the help of his grandparents, Florence Jackson, affectionately called “Mother Dear” and George Jackson. He made his transition to the heavens on November 7, 2017.

Attending Emmanuel Apostolic Tabernacle with his grandmother, James accepted Christ while a young boy and became a life-long member. It was there that he discovered his great love of gospel music and learned to play piano, organ and keyboard. He was the Minister of Music for Emmanuel Apostolic Tabernacle from 1969 until his passing.

Gospel was in the very soul of James McFarland and he shared the love of Jesus Christ through music. He was a member of the Dr. Lucille Lemons Gospel Chorus, member of the Lee Owens Mass Assemble, co-founder of McFarland-Williams Company, and the founder of the gospel choir “Praises.”

Performing from coast to coast, James was featured with various well-known artists such as Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. James Cleveland, and actress Nell Ruth Carter. He also performed in many musicals and plays.

Trained in mental health, James was employed at the former Toledo Mental Health Center and for many years at Dallas Group Homes, Inc. He also worked for Toledo-Lucas County Board of Elections.

James' beloved mother, Hasser Peppers McFarland; his godly grandparents, Florence and George Jackson; and siblings, Leonard, Mildred and Musette McFarland, preceded him.

Cherishing the memories of James McFarland are his loving children, James McFarland Jr. and wife Knetra of Indianapolis, IN; and J'uanette Concepcion and husband Joseph of Seffner, FL; grandsons, James McFarland III, and Joshua and Jonah Concepcion; brothers, Marquette and Vincent McFarland: and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

“For You formed my inward parts, You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works. And that my soul knows very well, My frame was not hidden from You. When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth, Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And in Your book they were all written. The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139: 13-16


James' life had purpose, and whatever that purpose was, he fulfilled it through gospel music during his time on this earth.