Springfield Photographer Terry Farmer and Fry Guy Jim Cullers Pass Away

Springfield is mourning the loss of two local figures who shaped the community through photography and the traditions of the Illinois State Fair.

Jim Cullers, known widely as the Illinois State Fair’s “fry guy,” died on Monday, Nov. 9, Capitol City Now reported.

The passing of Cullers marks the end of a local culinary staple, as his business, Cullers’ French Fries, shared the news via Facebook. The announcement said that after a brief hospital stay in his hometown of Springfield, Cullers “joined his favorite ‘Potato Man’, Uncle Bill on 11/9 to whip up some heavenly fries,” according to the Facebook post from Cullers’ French Fries.

The community is also grieving Terry Farmer, a prominent photographer who passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Farmer was a deeply recognized figure in the region, maintaining a long-standing professional presence through Terry Farmer Photography. While he had previously closed his studio on Old Jacksonville Road and was living a semi-retired life, he continued to influence local media.

“Certainly, he was very well-known through his business, Terry Farmer Photography, even though he had closed his studio out there on Old Jacksonville Road a while back,” Michelle Ownbey, executive editor for the Springfield Business Journal, told Capitol City Now.

Ownbey said that Farmer frequently provided freelance photography services for various Springfield Business Journal programs. His contributions to the professional community were formally recognized when he received a lifetime achievement award from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond his professional work, Farmer was active in local philanthropy. He provided support to several community pillars, including Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and the Knights of Columbus.

A celebration of life for Farmer is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, from 3–6 p.m. at the K of C hall on Meadowbrook Road.

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