Jimmy's Obituary
Jimmy James Farrell left us on Feb. 29, a day as unique as his life.
He loved camping and fishing and cracking a cold beer after a hard day’s work.
He loved his wife, his family, his friends. And he was so proud of his Fort Farrell.
It was the house he designed and built with his friends, thinking out every detail before even buying any lumber.
A fine finish carpenter by trade, Jimmy designed and built Fort Farrell, the perfect, little house where he and Max have lived for over 30 years.
Jimmy loved to design and build furniture, always out of oak. An accomplished craftsman, he built all the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms and most of the living room furniture.
He was born with an artistic eye, and after his mom bought him a Paint by Numbers kit during the ’64 flood when he was stuck inside because of all the rain, he started creating his own art. By adulthood he had become a talented artist, and the walls of Fort Farrell feature his oil paintings of wildlife and Montana landscape scenes. Besides numerous pen and ink sketches, Jimmy created 23 years of Christmas cards and unique mirror etchings.
The son of Ron and Marian Farrell, Jimmy grew up on the west side of Great Falls where he was given the freedom to explore the springs, caves, and coulees in the area. He and his buddies loved to spend all day roaming lower Sun River.
Later known as one of the better pool players in Great Falls, Jimmy enjoyed the challenge of the game. This love affair with billiards started in high school when his parents put a pool table in their basement. And he honed his game skills at Hussman’s Pool Hall, where Jimmy and his friends spent their lunch money quarters.
Each year Max and Jimmy couldn’t wait to start their camping season. They learned their lesson the year they rushed it a bit and ventured out on March 9 for an impromptu overnighter at Nilan Reservoir. Their earliest camping was pretty primitive, with the back of Jimmy’s station wagon, La Bamba, serving as their bed with all supplies in boxes under the seat. Max and Jimmy appreciated Montana’s splendor, no matter where or how they camped.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Maxine Farrell, his sister Ronda Banik, his nieces KC Banik and Kay Dee (Sahil) Banik.
When Jimmy and Max married in 1992, Jimmy welcomed Max’s close family into his circle. Siblings and their children include: Myrna Gilbertson and her daughter Heather (Jamie) Bireley; Jerry (Kathleen) Goosen; Norman (JoAnn) Goosen, parents of Jodi (Shane) Williams, Blaine (Jessica) Goosen and Brent (Kelly) Goosen. As the years went on, Jimmy enjoyed the relationships he had with the great nieces and nephews: Jessica (Jon) Bishop, Sean (Jenna) Williams, Cierra and Kodi Bireley, Jayden Goosen, Brevyn and Jazmyn Goosen, Taylor and Tanner Goosen and Chase Bireley.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Ron and Marian Farrell and his brother-in-law Carl Banik.
In spite of life’s setbacks, Jimmy never lost his positive attitude and sharp wit.
Like the moral of the Oak Tree:
“Sometimes it’s wiser to be flexible in the face of life’s challenges than stubbornly resisting and refusing to yield when it’s the better choice.”
Join us in remembering Jimmy. Have fun, think about all his crazy stories, and treasure the memories made.
