Third-Generation Wyckoff Farmer Who Transformed Land Into Family Destination Dies At 62

WYCKOFF, NJ — A third-generation farmer who turned his farm in Wyckoff into a family destination — with a petting zoo and pumpkin picking — has died. Jim Abma was 62.

For years, families have flocked to Abma's Farm in Wyckoff to pet the animals and pick pumpkins, but it wasn't always that way. It took the vision of a young farmer.

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According to a post on Facebook, Abma was born in 1963 in Ridgewood and grew up on the family farm "with deep-rooted values of faith in God, hard work, and service to the community.

"At a young age, Jim understood the calling of land stewardship that God had placed on his life. He had his own chickens and rabbits, and his own row of vegetables in the fields — all before he could even drive."

According to the post, Abma graduated from Delaware Valley College in 1985, married his high school sweetheart, and began transforming the farm from an egg operation to its modern incarnation.

"Throughout his career, Jim was known as an excellent grower, a thoughtful creator and designer, a skilled fixer, and a true problem solver," the post says. He even won the state's Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1991.

A post in September 2025 said he was battling cancer.

Services will be this Sunday and Monday. His obituary is here.