James R. Farley's Obituary
James R. Farley, loving husband, father, grandfather and pastor to countless men and women who looked up to him for spiritual guidance, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
He was born to Charles and Opal Farley on September 3, 1935. One of eight children, his path in life took a turn when he experienced salvation at the age of 14. He would soon feel a call to the ministry, and at the age of 16 preached his first sermon. After high school he attended ABI Bible College where he received a degree in Pastoral Studies. During one of his first internships with Pastor Frank Munsey he would meet the love of his life, Milagros Jusino. They married and soon started a family.
After pastoring several churches in Illinois, Pastor James felt led to head to the east coast to plant a church. On the day he left, his father asked how he could drag his family to this godforsaken part of the country; but determined, Pastor James left and never looked back. He intended to go to Waterbury, CT, but was asked to stop in Syracuse, NY, and help a small church without a pastor until one could be located to fill the position. The year was 1968 and he would go on to pastor Calvary Church until February of 2001.
Fifty-five years later that church still stands. His life work is a testament to a faithful man who loved his God with his whole heart. As a result, many people in Upstate New York and around the world still call him their pastor.
Pastor James was preceded in death by his wife, Milagros (Millie), and second wife, Joy. He is survived by his children; Ellen (John) Raflowski, Philip (Jessica) Farley, and Sarah (David) Ravas, grandchildren; Jonathan, Jordan, Amanda, Ashley, Megan, David, James, Victoria, Madison, and Alexander, and great-grandchildren; Audrey, Caden, Roman, Isabella, Ashton, Hayley, Joseph, and Jonathan, Liviana, and Jude.
A funeral service in celebration of James’ life will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in Northside Church, 7965 Oswego Rd., Liverpool. Burial will follow in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Family Worship Center, 8480 Morgan Rd, Clay, NY 13041.
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