Obituary of James Farley JR

James Edward Farley, Jr. 78, of Venice, FL, died peacefully at Venice Regional Medical Center on October 12, 2012, in the arms of his family, after a long illness. He was born September 3, 1934, in Elmira, NY, son of the late James E. and Florence M. (Lazeski) Farley, Sr., of Elmira, NY. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Carol (Monahan) Farley. Jim is survived by his brothers Joseph (Marianna) Farley of Horseheads, NY; John (Linda) Farley of Pine City, NY; special cousin Mary Kay Scanlin of Elmira, NY; brother-in-law John (Janet) Beck of Saratoga Springs, NY; sister-in-law Kathleen Monahan Page of Elmira, NY; his six children and their spouses: Mary (Michael) Lhotsky, Timothy (Beth) Farley, Cathleen (Vit) Babuska, Michael (Michael Resnick) Farley, Patrick (Kelly) Farley and Peter (Erin) Farley; 18 grandchildren; and one great granddaughter, all living throughout Maryland, Virginia and New Mexico. Jim was a 1952 graduate of Elmira Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1956-1962, including a two year active tour of duty in Germany. He earned his B.S. in Psychology-Philosophy from the University of Scranton, and a M.S. in Personnel Administration from George Washington University. Jim retired after a long and distinguished career in Executive Personnel with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He began his civilian federal career in the early 1960s as a Position Classification Specialist at the Peace Corps, followed by a transfer to the Bureau of Training at the U.S. Civil Service Commission (CSC). He then became an agency contact at the Bureau of Executive Manpower in establishing and classifying "Super Grade Positions" in other government agencies. He was part of the implementation team in establishing the Senior Executive Service when the CSC became OPM in 1976. With his twinkling blue eyes, Irish wit and charm, Jim persuaded Carol to follow him to Germany, where they were married in Böblingen on May 5, 1956. Most of their life together was spent in Maryland, first in Laurel and then in Grasonville. Jim moved full-time to Venice, FL, in 2009. A dedicated family man, Jim worked hand in hand with his wife to provide a secure and happy environment for their children. They accomplished their goal of supporting and celebrating each child's unique personality, potential and contribution. Favorite past times over the years included sailing, high performance cars, using the latest electronic gadgetry, investing, staying current on politics, playing his Irish drum, and hoisting a pint or two of Guinness with family, friends and neighbors while watching the sun set over a calm sea. "Pop Pop" was quick with a true tale or tall tale. He never let the truth get in the way of a good story. A celebration of his life will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012 at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water St., Elmira, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, with interment immediately following at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery, Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Jim's memory to the Vasculitis Foundation, P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, Missouri 64188 (800-277-9474), or donate directly through their website:http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/microscopicpolyangiitis.