James West McFarland, 89, a resident of Catonsville, MD, died on May 29, 2009 of natural causes at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.

He was born on January 01, 1920 in Canonsburg, PA and raised in Crafton, PA and had also resided in O'Hara Township, PA.

Mr. McFarland attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was employed by AD Art and then Gateway Studios in Pittsburgh. He was considered one of the premier calligraphers in the Tri-State area and was a member of the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh.

He served as Gunner's Mate 2nd Class on USS New Jersey and he was a plank owner. He served in the Pacific Theater during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret H. (Helbling) McFarland of Catonsville, MD; two daughters, Kathleen M. Millhausen of Arnold, MD and Susan M. Skipper of Greenwood, DE; sons-in-law, Michael Millhausen and Charles Skipper; three grandchildren, James M. Millhausen, Megan P. Millhausen and C. Ashley Skipper; and one great grandson, Cody Skipper.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Charlestown Retirement Community, 715 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228. Family and friends will be received ½ hour prior to Memorial Mass. The inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 4, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends may meet at the Administration Building at 1:15 pm prior to the service. Arrangements made by Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at Charlestown Benevolent Care Fund, 711 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com