of Mountain View, AR
January 1, 1932 - September 13, 2020
On Sunday, September 13, 2020, the Furrer family lost their beloved patriarch to COVID. James Furrer spent his life in a very unassuming hero's way. Everyone that knew him knew he was a quiet giant. A giant in spirit and integrity, in his passion to do the right thing, in his contribution anywhere he saw a need, and in his generosity. His life creed was, ''never stop moving.'' He had already begun to plot a walking course for his recovery after having open heart surgery on August 10.
He is survived by his wife Darla Miller Furrer; his daughters: Laura Furrer Roeser (Keith), Menomonie, WI; Donna Furrer Anderson (Clarke), Marshall, AR; Frankie Furrer Hendron (Patrick Maxwell), Black Hawk, CO; Decho Bailey (Walter), Flower Mound, TX; Darci Ewell (Lankford), Dripping Springs, TX; DeWyn Avey (Brian), Fox, AR; and sons: Damon Johnson (Jolene), Topeka, KS; Dylan Johnson (Vicki Meinhardt), Omaha, NE; and his nephew, Charles Furrer (Sandra), Pinconning, MI; 27 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 1, 1932. He was the youngest of three boys. He lived in their family's brick bungalow in Norwood Park, Illinois. By age 10, he was already helping his two older brothers with building their house. His family later relocated to a 100 acre farm in Frankfort, Illinois where he attended a two-room schoolhouse.
Jim finished his sophomore year in high school at Bloom Township and then ran off to join the navy. He made it through basic training and was prepared to begin his career as a member of a submarine crew, but he was pulled out by his father who told the navy he was only 16. He ended up back in Chicago Heights looking for work. He went to work for the Pagoria trucking company. Over the years, he worked as a truck driver, construction foreman, and owned a couple of small businesses.
Jim was a Renaissance man who could create or do just about anything he set his mind to. He was an avid rock hound and lapidarist, jewelry designer, carpenter, furniture builder, brick and stone mason, gardener, farmer, pilot (even building two of his three planes), and a enthusiastic domino player.
He moved to Kansas City, MO in 1975 and married his wife, Darla, in 1984. They retired to Mountain View, AR in 1989 where they rebuilt their current home.
There he became a volunteer with the Dodd Mountain Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 69. He was elected Fire Chief two years later and served 17 years as chief until his death. As chief, and First Responder, he helped initiate many improvements and projects over the years which helped the department grow in the number of fire stations, vehicles and equipment, training programs, collection of dues, grant proposals, and the reduction of the overall ISO Class rating.
The Dodd Mountain Fire Dept. will be hosting a memorial for James Furrer on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 from 2p-4p at Dodd Mountain Fire Station #4: 1440 Misenheimer Road.
To pay your respects safely due to COVID-19, this is planned as a ''drive-thru'' memorial with family and firemen present.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to request a donation to the James Furrer Memorial Fund in care of the DMVFD. Please send your donation (add JFMF in the check memo area) to DMVFD, PO Box 2302, Mountain View, AR 72560. You can also donate online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-furrer-memorial-fund.
Jim's family would also like to encourage you to share your prayers, thoughts, memories, and photos on Jim's virtual guest book at https://www.forevermissed.com/james-Ivan-Furrer.
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11 Condolence(s)
Janis Robbins
Saturday, September 26, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss of a dear man. I worked for the Forestry Commission, Rural Fire in Greenbrier. I knew his name and his picture and knew he was a fireman. I have a lot of dear fire departments all over the State that I am fond of. Mr JIM and Dodd Mtn were one of them. My prayers are with you all.
Gloria Wagler
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
My heart and prayers are with you thru this difficult time. May God comfort you and give you peace. Love to all
Steve Simmons
Friday, September 18, 2020
What terrible news, Jim was a great guy and he will be missed by everyone that knew him.
My family will be praying for you Darla and may god help to ease the pain of this loss.
Jim was an example of the kind of person we all should strive to be.
Martha Hill
Friday, September 18, 2020
Darla, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have my love and prayers.
Dan & Patricia Stewart
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Jim was a one of a kind. Always willing to help anyone. He will missed so much by not only his loving family, but by his neighbors and the community and county.
Keith Phillips
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Cheif you will be greatly missed. Thank you and your family for the years of leadership and dedication to the community. Someone will continue in your position but will never fill your shoes. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless.
Mary Cossey & Carson Keel
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
R.I.P CHIEF FURRER, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY MANY, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. YOU WERE A VERY KIND, CARING, AND SWEET MAN. MAY GOD COMFORT ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MARY COSSEY, & CARSON KEEL.
Sharon Mills
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
My sincere condolences for your family. Jim will be missed by many for all the hard work he extended in this community. May God hold you close to him during your difficult time ðŸ™ðŸ™for all
Sharon
Am
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Hoping comfort can be drawn from knowing that your family are in the thoughts and prayers of many during this difficult time
Carol R. Wade
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
This is one of those times along life's journey that can deeply test the spirit. May your faith, inner strength, friend's prayers, and the power of God's love help carry you through this very difficult time.
May the precious memories you have of your time with Jim, and the prayers of many caring hearts help lessen the pain you are feeling and help heal your sorrow. Carol Wade
Wanda sutton
Monday, September 14, 2020
Jim I can't believe your gone. You & Darla mean so much to us..
Jim is a wonderful man, loving to your family & his community, & the fire dept. My heart is saddened because we love you , your are neighbor , a friend & family to us.
Our heart is broken & hurting with you.Thoughts & prayers are with your family. Darla , I love you & may having your family near you help you. We will miss you so, much. Wanda & Larry Sutton