James O Farmer, K4BSE SK James Oliver "Jim" Farmer passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026 at the age of 81. Jim was born in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 14, 1944 to parents James and Leila Farmer. At a young age, Jim developed a fascination with electronics and spent much of his youth in a backyard "shack" tinkering with any circuitry he could get his hands on. By the age of 13, he was operating a ham radio - a hobby that would remain a passion for the rest of his life as call sign K4BSE Jim earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida. In 1967 Jim met Katherine Fink, a talented musician majoring in flute performance. A classic pairing of art and science, they would marry in August of 1968, with Jim completing his master's degree that December. As a student Jim participated in NASA's co-op program working with the Marshall Space Flight Center on telemetry systems for Saturn rockets used in the Apollo program. This experience would lead to a position with the telemetry division of Scientific Atlanta, settling Jim and Kathy in the Atlanta area to launch their careers and raise a family. In the 1970s and 80s Jim shifted his professional focus to the emerging field of cable television and won acclaim for the development of the set-top cable box. Jim became one of the industry's leading engineers. He held more than 90 patents, co-authored multiple textbooks, and served as president of the IEEE Consumer Electronic Society. Among his numerous accolades, in 1996 he was recognized with the Vanguard Award for Science and Technology by the National Cable Television Association, and in 1997 was inducted into the Society of Cable Television Engineers Hall of Fame. But these accomplishments were not his greatest source of pride. Jim cherished family. His three daughters, Jeannie, Susan, and Joy, - and their families - were the real pride of his life. As grandchildren came along, he became a generous and supportive "Grandad," attending band concerts, sporting events, dance recitals and school plays every chance he got. Jim was an avid SCUBA diver and especially enjoyed sharing dive trips with family members. His favorite week of the year was "Beach Week," a tradition started by his mother's side of the family in the 1960s. This annual family reunion kept Jim close with his beloved siblings, George, Dorthy and Jane, and cousin, Bob. As the extended Farmer family grew and spread across the country, Beach Week was a cornerstone bringing together four generations of family for sunsets and fellowship. Jim was a man of faith, serving as a deacon for First Baptist Church of Chamblee and then Smoke Rise Baptist Church. As a servant leader, Jim used his professional expertise to help Smoke Rise record, broadcast and stream the weekly services. In recent months, as Jim's failing health made him unable to attend church in person, it is fitting that he found great comfort in being able to watch the live services using the very systems he helped establish. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years Katherine Farmer (nee Fink); his daughters and sons-in-law, Leila Jean "Jeannie" Rice (Travis); Susan Francis King (T. Kyle); Joy Katherine Clary (Craig); grandchildren Katie (Anthony), David, Thomas, Drew, Elizabeth, Eva, Ada; and great grandchildren Oliver and Nova. The memorial service to celebrate the life of James will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, GA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00pm until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Audio Visual Ministry at Smoke Rise Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Heritage Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-farmer-obituary?id=61334893
