Decatur Central Athletic Hall Of Fame

DEC. 6 2019

DECATUR CENTRAL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

            The Decatur Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame was founded 37 years ago to recognize the outstanding players, coaches and contributors to Hawk athletic programs throughout the history of our school. During that time 162 individuals have been inducted into our Hall of Fame.

            As well, the Hall of Fame Committee has instituted the Pride of Decatur Central Award – a very special recognition of a DC alumnus or staff member who has gone above and beyond in representing our school and community. This award recognizes the recipient’s LIFETIME of work and dedication to the ideals that represent the best of being a HAWK. Previous recipients include Dr. Larry Rink, Lt. Aaron Allan, Coach Dick McCory, Trent Conn and David “Doc” Rather. 

            Tonight, we recognize another individual who is well deserving of this award. 

             James E. JEF Farmer is a 1963 graduate of Decatur Central. During his time as a Hawk undergrad, he starred in football, basketball and track and field. He led Marion County in scoring during his senior year in football, and led DC to many victories on the field and the court. He starred in football in college at Murray State and went to training camp with the Detroit Lions. He played pro football with the Michigan Arrows and Indianapolis Caps. Jef was one of the top softball players in central Indiana, and his Capitol Oil teams won National Senior Championships.

He was recognized for his athletic accomplishments in 1985 when he was inducted into the DC Athletic Hall of Fame.

            But tonight’s award is for much more than what he did as a DC athlete. Jef has been one of Decatur’s number one supporters since he returned to the township to make his home, operating Capitol Oil and Hoosier Equipment Services.

            In the 1970’s, the Marwood Optimist Club recognized the need for a program to develop Decatur Township boys for football. Jef was among the driving forces that organized the youth football program that is still today helping our young people learn to love and play football. Jef and his brother Ralph coached in the league for many years and you will find dozens of Hawks who say they were the best coaches they ever had.

            Jef also coached for decades in the youth boys and girls basketball programs as well as youth baseball and softball. Many of those young people are in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s now, and are here tonight to pay tribute to what Jef meant to them as a coach.

            Jef was also a longtime volunteer coach in the football and basketball varsity programs.

            Support for Decatur athletics went much further and has included thousands of dollars of financial assistance from Jef and his wife Dianne Moore Farmer, a 1970 Decatur grad. They purchased clothes and shoes for athletes that couldn’t afford them. They often anonymously paid for team meals when the Hawks were traveling. Former athletic directors Devere Fair and “Doc” Rather will confirm that Decatur never had more fervent and loyal supporters than the Farmers.

            A recent social media post about Jef’s selection for this honor drew nearly 500 likes and more than 300 comments.  Typical comments include “This honor is so well deserved. Jef and Dianne have been blessings to so many.”

“Thanks for your generous hearts.”

“Jeff taught me so much when I played ball for him. Even after butting heads one time he sat me down and talked to me more than a man in my life ever has. He is a role model. He is a coach and he is an amazing man! The respect I have for him is so so much!”

“Decatur Central is very lucky to have someone with Jeff’s qualities. He is one of the most giving people I have ever met.”

            “The Best Coach I ever had. Some of my best childhood memories are with him on the ball field!”

            “I have always thought of Jeff as one the most positive influences in my life setting an example of honesty, hard work, self discipline and respect. Thank you God for the privilege of knowing this man!”

            “You are a wonderful person, friend, coach, mentor, father, husband. And last but not least, a DC HAWK FOREVER AND ALWAYS!”

            In addition to many special friends, former athletes he has coached, fellow coaches and others, Jef is supported tonight by his wife and Hawk fan partner Dianne Farmer, daughter Heidi Brumback, son Bobby Farmer, his four grandchildren and many other extended family members.

                       It’s with great pleasure that the Athletic Hall of Fame bestows the Pride of Decatur Central Award to our friend and inspiration – Mr. JEF Farmer!

 Presenting the award is Jef’s good friend and colleague, David Doc Rather! Let’s hear it for them!

Justin Dixson

Director of Athletics

MSD of Decatur Township