James (Jim) J. Farrell
September 28, 1933 to December 30, 2019
Obituary
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.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on January 6, 2020
7-9 p.m. on January 6, 2020
2-4 p.m. on January 7, 2020
7-9 p.m. on January 7, 2020
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
9:30am, Wednesday January 8th
St. Pius X Parish
Sincere condolences to the Farrell family on Jim’s recent passing. Sorry I was unable to attend the service. I worked along side Jim at many fire scenes and found him very professional and knowledgeable in his field. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Rose. Jim was a special fella. He was always kind to me, which was welcome as I wasn’t always deserving of his good-natured concern. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
Dear Rose…..I was saddened to read just this morning that Jim had passed away! My deepest condolences to you and all the family.
He was certainly a colourful man and I always enjoyed being around you both in our RV days…..he always tormented me for having to have a stemmed glass for my wine!
I am away so cannot attend,.
All the best my dear.
Cynthia Parsons Walker
Farrell Families,
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Thomas W. Fraize Q.C. & Noreen Greene Fraize
Fraize Law Offices
Farewell Jim, may you rest in peace among the company of good friends from long ago. Once you were a friend of Jim Farrell you were never forgotten and your friendship was treasured. My condolences go out to Rose an extended family members. Jim and Rose were two very good and generous people who helped many a person in need along their way.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew Jim for many years, both from his work as an electrician to the many purchases of building materials he bought from us. Jim was a kind, honest man and will be missed. I have many great memories of him.
Francis Walsh
Urban Contracting (JJ Walsh) Ltd.
Rose,
I am thinking of you at this difficult time. Be assured that Jim and you will be in my prayers.
With sympathy,
Father Jim (Beresford)
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing..our condolences to His family from Rick and DeAnna
Dear Rose,
I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s death.
May he rest in peace.
Be assured of my prayer for you at this time.
Blessings,
Loretta Chafe
Rose and Family So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was always a devoted customer and Friend. Dave enjoyed his visit when he was in to do your washer. Our conversations with him were always so pleasant and they will be missed. Keep all your great memories close to your hearts. Feel free to call if you need anything. As Jim always ended a call with God Bless You.
Dear Rose, So many years having the pleasure of knowing You and Jim. Jim was a devoted friend to my brother Ray. My husband Ed and I always enjoy those delicious Bell Island sausages he would so generously bring us. He would so often check in with a phone call saying the date and time and that it was Jim Farrell calling to see how we were. We will certainly miss Jim’s friendship.. You were such a devoted couple. Condolences to you and the Farrell family.
So sorry Rose to hear of Jim’s passing. I met Jim about 30 years ago at a fire scene. I worked in the insurance restoration industry consequently I would bump into Jim at many scenes that he was investigating. We became friends & Jim would drop into my office frequently for a chat about hockey or just friendly banter. I admired his entrepreneurial spirit & enjoyed sharing property stories. Rest In Peace Jim.
Ted Purcell
So so sorry Rosie to hear of Jim’s passing we only found out yesterday we shared lots of fun and jokes at your home God Bless you .
Rose & Farrell Families; I was sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My condolences to the family. As a former RCMP officer I had the pleasure of working with Jim on several occasions. May he Rest in Peace
Dear Rose and Farrell Family, Our families go back many years as friends on Bell Island. Jim has always kept in touch bringing our family goodies from Bell Island. He was a great friend to Mark and always supported him. . We will miss his phone calls and humour .
Brenda Turner
My sincere condolence to you and family , Rose on Jim’s passing. I remember when you were married. I didn’t know Jim all that well but I do know he was a true gentleman.. I am sorry I won’t get to the wake ,because of weather conditions ,but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Catherine. Howard
Condolences to Jim’s wife, and family. I worked with Jim some years ago after an industrial fire . He was considerate and very caring, leaving us with great memories. We have lost a true friend.
Rose, I am thinking of you with the fondest of memories as I read about Jim’s death. His obituary is beautiful and his life was full and rich. I was so happy for you both when you married and each of you fulfilled the other. You are both role models in many ways and you have inspired others. I have always felt honored to know you and now I hope you will treasure all the memories.
Wayne
Our sincere condolences to Rose and Jim’s family on your loss. He was a good friend and will be sadly missed. Ed & Marilyn
To , Rose and Extended family,
I have known Jim since I was a very young girl. He was a friend to my parents when we lived on Bell Island. When my parents moved to St.John’s , Jim continued that friendship,. Jim would call them and drop in to visit them and they had good conversations. Nobody could tell a story like Jim. He was most kind , gentle , and all around good person. Newfoundland has lost its best son, and friend. Jim has earned his wings and is now flying amongst the angles.
I’ve known Jim most of my young & adult life..I also had the pleasure in providing his haircut services for many yrs.,and was accustomed to many great stories & laughs. Thanks Jim…
Jim was a wonderful friend to my dad,and our large extended family.
May your souls journey awaken you to understand the blessing it was to be alive here on earth, and to have emotionally & physically experienced LOVE through our closest relationships.
God bless… RIP Jim
My condolences to Rose and Jim’s extended family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great family friend and I have fond memories of him dropping by the house and keeping us entertained with his stories.
Condolences to Rose and the Farrell family.
Michelle Short
On behalf of the Purcell family I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Rose and family. I will always remember Jim fondly.
Our most heartfelt sympathies to you Rose and to Jim,s Family. We have lost a true friend. Cheryl Curry & John Butler
On behalf of The Royal Canadian Legion branch 50 CBS I extend sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family and friends..
Myself and Judy send our heartfelt sympathies to you, Rose, and family. Jim was a true gentleman, and I always enjoyed our conversations.
Rose, myself and Alex were very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I had just been thinking of him a few days ago. We can’t thank you both enough for all you done for us when we lived with you on Bell Island. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to you,Rose, and to all Jim’s family and friends. .Our families have an association, over many ,many years,, on Bell Island. .May Jim Rest In Peace: : and may his family find consolation from the prayers and remembrances of friends.
To the Farrell family
On behalf of the RCMP Veterans Association we extend our sincere condolences to the Farrell family. I did many fire investigations with Jim as did many other RCMP members. Jim was a great friend to many RCMP members and he was indeed a friend to the Force. He was a great person and always willing to help at any time. May he rest in peace