James M. Farthing, age 84 of Gretna, Virginia passed away at his residence on Wednesday March 31, 2021 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Born December 14, 1936 in the Renan community of Pittsylvania County he was the son of the Late Jessie B. Farthing and Mary Short Farthing. He attended school in the Renan and Spring Garden communities before the family settled in Gretna, VA.

He attended Greenfield Baptist Church and was a well known tobacco and cattle farmer in the community and was the happiest when out working with his cattle on the farm. He also enjoyed many harvest seasons working with Motley's Warehouse where he was a regular fixture during tobacco selling time. In the last few years he enjoyed many hours in the ole swing out back.

In addition to his parents, he was pre deceased by two brothers, J.B. Farthing and Ray Farthing and a sister Nellie Jane McDaniel.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Pattie Motley Farthing of the residence; two sisters, Kathleen Merchant of Danville, VA, and Jean Yates of Carrollton, GA. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and sister and brother in-laws on the Farthing and Motley sides of the family. A special sister-in-law, Brenda G. Motley and two special nieces, Tonda Wade, and Michelle Motley also survive him.

Funeral services for him will be conducted from the chapel of Colbert-Moran Funeral Home by The Rev R. G. Rowland and by R. Keith Motley on Saturday April 3, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. with burial to follow in the Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden in Gretna, VA.

The family will receive friends at Colbert–Moran Funeral home from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Friday evening April 2, 2021 and at other times will be at the residence.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .