James “Jim” Farrell of Chanute, KS passed away peacefully on Thursday January 26, 2023 at Diversicare in Chanute.
Jim was born November 12, 1925 to George Riley and Alice May (Weybrew) Farrell. He was raised on a family farm in rural Pottawatomie County, the second youngest of 6 boys. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Wamego High School in 1943.
Jim served his country during World War II in the 60th Armored Division of the US Army. He has served in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Jim, along with 4 of his brothers, served simultaneously in different battle zones. Everyone returned home alive. He was wounded in combat after crossing the Rhine River into Germany and was awarded a Purple Heart. Jim’s unit was also surrounded in the “Battle of the Bulge” and he often told us of his gratitude to General Patton for daring rescue of him.
After his discharge he earned an engineering degree from Kansas State University in 1951. He was a lifelong Wildcats fan. Jim retired as a building and materials engineer for KDOT in 1987 after 36 years. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW and DAV.
Jim has enjoyed his retirement. His favorite hobbies of his were traveling, fishing, gardening, volunteering, and visiting with family. He was a regular donor at the Red Cross emobile donating nearly 20 gallons.
Jim married Catherine “Katie” Sommers of Topeka on September 1, 1951. Together they raised 5 children. Katie died November 22, 2003. He is survived by: son Mike and wife Lynn, 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild all of Colorado; sons Jeff, Andy and Tony are all from Wichita and daughter Rita from Chanute along with numerous grandchildren.
Jim married Judith Zirjacks in 2005, she predeceased him in death in 2021 and is survived by stepchildren Kevin and Amy and grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and all 5 brothers: Patrick, Joseph, George, John and Daniel.
A Christian Burial Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Friday 17 February at 10.30am. later date in St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Wamego, KS.
Memorials suggested at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Chanute, and can be mailed or left with the funeral home. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
Published online February 14, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
