By SEMA News Editors
Jim McFarland, the 2001 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee and longtime SEMA technical consultant, has passed away. He was 88. 
Although best known for his 36-year career as a journalist for HOT ROD magazine, McFarland has also made many significant contributions to the industry with his product designs.
During a 19-year tenure at Edelbrock Corp., McFarland designed induction and exhaust systems, camshafts and valve train components, among many other products. Later, he started his own consultancy, AutoCom, using his skills as a journalist and engineer to assist OEMs and aftermarket companies.
In addition, McFarland is also known for his work on behalf of the industry in regard to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance.
"Jim was instrumental in setting up the SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance program and worked with CARB on the procedures for the aftermarket to achieve emissions compliance on performance products. He will be missed by many in the industry," said SEMA CEO and President Mike Spagnola.
McFarland has been acknowledged for his accomplishments numerous times, including the title of "Hi-Riser" by Car Craft magazine and as Person of the Year by SEMA in 1985. He also received the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame's Founders Award in 2018.
SEMA News interviewed McFarland for its April 2022 issue. Get to know him in the SEMA News "Industry Insiders" article.