The Farrell and extended families announce with sadness the passing of James J. Farrell, after a recent fall which had followed a period of medical illness. However, it is with great pride that we reflect upon a full life lived. Predeceased by his parents Matthew and Catherine Farrell; sisters Marie (Farrell) Lavers and Noreen (Farrell) Jackman and brother-in-law Hank Light. Leaving to mourn his loving wife of 32 years Rose (Melvin) Farrell, his sister Loretta, brothers-in-law Jack Lavers (Jane Pardy) and Donald Jackman, and a large circle of nephews and nieces and extended family and friends.
Thanks are expressed to Dr. Rod McCarthy for years of attentive medical care and to Dr. Kevin Melvin and Dr. Paul Jackman and other dedicated medical consultants.
Jim lived a full and fascinating life documenting much of it in a daily journal. His formative years on Bell Island were followed by graduating from St Bon’s High School in St John’s as part of a group of iconic alumni from that venerable school.
In the 1950’s Jim started his business career and maintained from then to the current day with Rose a successful operation in property ownership and rental known as Farrell Enterprises.
As a man of science, Jim was called to pursue advanced training in Fire Investigation. He completed a specialized course at the respected Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois and was one of the earliest fully certified Fire Investigators in NL.
He enjoyed a long and fruitful professional career as a consultant to the Provincial Fire Service and the RCMP and RNC as well as the Insurance industry. His expertise was sought on many complex cases including the Bell Island Energy Phenomenon – the “Boom”, April 1978 – as was documented on The History Channel with Jim as Consultant Guest.
In middle years Jim was blessed to have his heart stolen by Rose Melvin and they wed on December 29, 1987. Rose was his dedicated partner until his last breath. They enjoyed many gatherings with family and friends over the years and the company of their beloved pets (dog “JJ”) and (cat “Tiger”). Jim and Rose worked tirelessly over the years together on their successful business operations. Visits to Lance Cove, Bell Island or their cabin/cottage in Middle Gull Pond were fond highlights as well as the times and travels in their RV with friends from that motoring community. Jim was raised in a tradition of Christian Faith guided by his parents and subsequently inspired by Rose’s spiritual dedication. He loved a story and told many – almost all of them true. If you visited him, you might receive a recounting of one of the tales and a reference from his extensive journal.
He grieved the losses of his parents and sisters and other family and friends and spoke fondly of them until his final day; he truly appreciated the rich human circle in his life with his loving wife as his constant love.
Visitation will be held from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, January 6 and Tuesday, January 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held from St. Pius X Parish, 16 Smithville Crescent, on Wednesday, January 8 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a reception at St. Pius X Parish Hall.
Interment of cremated remains at Bell Island Cemetery to occur at a date to be confirmed but expected Summer 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to SPCA or Shriner’s Hospitals.
Jim: May you enjoy the company of Angels and dearly departed in your heavenly home in the arms of Our Lord.
As you often recited from the words expressed to you on your Wedding Night: Fare Thee Well.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim J Farrell September 28 1933 to December 30 2019..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N