Jim Farrell

Our Brother Jim Farrell:          The world lost a special jewel Jan 28, 2013.  A man who loved everyone and everyone loved him – how could you not love him when you saw that twinkle in his eye and sparkle in his grin followed by his easy, hardy laugh.  Jimmy loved to serve others; as a tour guide and bus driver during several years at Bianco Travel, Jim made sure all the seniors were well cared for, suitcases loaded with special drinks and snacks served to all aboard his coach.  Jim’s career as a heavy equipment mechanic started at an early age as sister Jean recalls.  He loved taking things apart but often had extra parts left over when the project was done.  Jimmy was a giver.  You need something? – Especially with boats or cars? – call Jim.  He loved helping others and giving what he had.  Sometimes that included things that weren’t necessarily his!  Dad would get so mad at him when he couldn’t find his tools in their place; often they would be at the neighbor’s or just laying out in the front yard.  Jim was born to be a fish.  Growing up on Grosse Ile, an island in the Detroit River, he spent more time in, on, and around the river and loved everything related to boating and water sports.  As a small boy, Jim even loved taking a bath.  Goggles and fins in hand, Mom had no problem at bath time (not sure how much soap he used!).  After a good time scuba diving in the old claw-footed bathtub, out he’d come, leaving diving gear behind in case one of us would like to have a diving adventure too – he was SO thoughtful!  Loving the island, Jim never wanted to live anywhere else and was grateful when he inherited the family home where he could raise his son Brandon.  Another boating adventure was in the plans with our brother, Jack.  Jim always wanted to return to the Trent-Severn Canal near Georgian Bay, Canada where they had traveled with our parents.  Charts were ordered and houseboats were being researched so once again they would travel the waters and locks of the Trent-Severn.  Unfortunately the trip wasn’t meant to be.  Jim Farrell was serving his community that fateful day in January but true to his life; Jim Farrell continues to give a better life to several special people we will never know.  Love you Jim, your sister Judy.