Title
Tribute to James William McFarland
Subject
McFarland, James William, 1948-2008
Description
The U.S. House of Representatives honored James William McFarland Sr. upon his death in 2008 with this tribute.
McFarland was a Tuscaloosa businessman and public servant.
McFarland was born in Tuscaloosa on September 7, 1948. He was the son of Ward Wharton and Frances Morrow McFarland. He graduated from Tuscaloosa High School and from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration.
He worked in Louisville, Kentucky, as director of real estate for Winn Dixie Stores before returning to Tuscaloosa to become vice president of Ward McFarland Incorporated, a real estate development and investment firm founded by his father.
Gov. Guy Hunt named him to his cabinet as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Retardation. He served for two years and successfully lobbied for passage of the largest mental health bond issue in state history - $100,000,000. The bond issue enabled mental health facilities across the state to renovate and improve care.
McFarland was a founding member of the Southern High-Speed Rail Commission. He was appointed by six different governors to represent Alabama on the three-state commission.
McFarland served as chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Republican Executive Committee for three terms. He managed numerous local and state campaigns for Republican candidates throughout his lifetime.
McFarland was an officer in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as national Legislative liaison to Directory of Auxiliary among other positions. He was appointed as Lt. Col. Aide-de-Camp by Governors George C. Wallace, Guy Hunt and Jim Folsom Jr. He was appointed by U.S. Representative Jack Kemp as a member of the United States Congressional Advisory Board. He had many years of service for Volunteers of America of Alabama, Christ Episcopal Church, Shelton State Foundation, Friends of Bryce Hospital and leadership positions in other civic and community organizations.
James William McFarland died on Dec. 5, 2008, survived by his son, J.W. "Billy" McFarland Jr., and a daughter, Mimi McFarland Cawood. He was survived by a brother, Ward Morrow McFarland.
McFarland was a Tuscaloosa businessman and public servant.
McFarland was born in Tuscaloosa on September 7, 1948. He was the son of Ward Wharton and Frances Morrow McFarland. He graduated from Tuscaloosa High School and from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration.
He worked in Louisville, Kentucky, as director of real estate for Winn Dixie Stores before returning to Tuscaloosa to become vice president of Ward McFarland Incorporated, a real estate development and investment firm founded by his father.
Gov. Guy Hunt named him to his cabinet as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Retardation. He served for two years and successfully lobbied for passage of the largest mental health bond issue in state history - $100,000,000. The bond issue enabled mental health facilities across the state to renovate and improve care.
McFarland was a founding member of the Southern High-Speed Rail Commission. He was appointed by six different governors to represent Alabama on the three-state commission.
McFarland served as chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Republican Executive Committee for three terms. He managed numerous local and state campaigns for Republican candidates throughout his lifetime.
McFarland was an officer in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as national Legislative liaison to Directory of Auxiliary among other positions. He was appointed as Lt. Col. Aide-de-Camp by Governors George C. Wallace, Guy Hunt and Jim Folsom Jr. He was appointed by U.S. Representative Jack Kemp as a member of the United States Congressional Advisory Board. He had many years of service for Volunteers of America of Alabama, Christ Episcopal Church, Shelton State Foundation, Friends of Bryce Hospital and leadership positions in other civic and community organizations.
James William McFarland died on Dec. 5, 2008, survived by his son, J.W. "Billy" McFarland Jr., and a daughter, Mimi McFarland Cawood. He was survived by a brother, Ward Morrow McFarland.
Creator
U.S. Rep. Josiah Robins "Jo" Bonner Jr.
Source
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Publisher
U. S. House of Representatives
Date
December 10, 2008
Contributor
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Betty Slowe (Description)
Type
Document
Identifier
1280
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Original Format
Congressional Record, 110th Congress (2007-2008)