James McFarland

James B. McFarland graduated from MSU in 1971 with a degree in Multi-Disciplinary Social Science. In the 1970's he work in the mental health field, setting up housing, work, and daily skill training for physically and mentally handicapped persons getting out of State Institutions and being placed in the community. He also trained to become a certified Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist, with emphasis on Gestalt Therapy, and Jungian Analysis.

James also farmed Kalamazoo County, full-spectrum  from commercial farming 4000 acres, to working the Amish, and organizing a back to the land, self sufficient homestead. Then began the process of raising two beautiful daughters, the delight of his life:  Michelle and Jessica.

Shortly after, James began a study of Art and Music with Bob Weil, the Chairman of MSU department of Sculpture. He also learned the mechanics of art as a functional set of principle including building, carpentry, footings, roofing, electrical, plumbing, drawing and design.

Notable, James also learned to use a Japanese style hot bath.  

In the 1980's he formed Hotwater Works, Inc. to design, build and distribute Japanese Soaking Tubs call Furo, a trade mark still owned.  We were also instrumental in introducing the Paloma Tankless Water Heater. James developed sales of Soaking Tubs in 43 states through small snail mail approach.

He also spearheaded the introduction of Portable Spas (large multi person hot tubs) in Mid Michigan, and set the stage for becoming the largest and longest lasting hot tub dealer in Michigan.  

On the personal front, James became a Private Pilot certified by the FAA.  1% of the population has a pilots license, and 1% of those learn to fly acrobatics, which James mastered and entered competitive acrobatic flying. James loves to fly and was given early flying lesson between ages 4 and 8 years by his uncle who was a pilot, farmer and Fire Chief.  He was James' hero!

In the 1990s, James expanded his business into the former Delphi Stained Glass building at 2116 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.  And in the 2000's, he designed and developed the WonderSpa™ and the WonderSpa™ two energy efficient, chemical free, small hot tubs that can plug in anywhere inside or outside, and remain totally free of chemical poisons each time they are used.  These tubs plug into any regular household outlet, and run for pennies per day.  

James got a huge blessing in 2002 when Max, his first grandchild was born to Michelle, and was the first of 5.  Maxwell Humes (8), Anna Humes (5), Lily Graham (5), Jack Humes (3) and Ella Graham.  

James also loves to ride horses, work out, read, paint abstract paintings, play guitar and piano, meditate, and travel.