James Marshal Farris, age 83, of El Dorado entered Heaven on October 7, 2025. He was born August 22,1942 to E.S. and Dorothy Ethridge Farris. He was a 1960 graduate of Smackover High School. He was the retired owner of Farris Machine Works.
James loved to think up "projects" in his mind, and then create them. He once took an old boat, mounted a 350 Chevy engine in it, built a lower unit and water cooled manifolds, and then ran it up and down the Ouachita River. He could build and/or repair virtually anything. He wasn't really happy unless he had something to tinker with.
James was raised at Miller's Bluff on the Ouachita River where he started his first business renting boats when he was approximately twelve. He loved the river, loved to fish, and he especially enjoyed boat riding, skiing, and jet skiing.
James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of fifty-four years, Virginia Jerry Farris, and a brother, Charles Farris. He is surrounded by a daughter, Judy Phelps (Lloyd), two grandchildren, Michael Phelps, and Jeannie Thompson (Todd), two great grandchildren, Abigail and Sarah Thompson, a loving sister, Jan Huccaby (Jim), three nieces, two nephews, and multiple great nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thanks to Sandy, Terra, Sheri, and Dewayne for all the care and love they gave Papaw. Visitation will be Thursday, October 9, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Perry's Funeral Chapel. The service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastors Todd Thompson and Alan Ellen officiating. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery.