James E. Farrell Sr. aka ‘‘Big Daddy Duck’’

Jim graduated from Norwich High School, Chenango County, in 1949 and entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, serving during the Korean Conflict. On February 28, 1957, he joined the New York Police in Troop C, later serving in Troops A and T. He received several commendations during his career and retired June 10, 1987, as an investigator with the permanent rank of sergeant in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He then went on to a second career with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit on Lake Erie through the early 1990s.

As an avid hunter, Jim was actively involved in the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, and chaired the Northern Chautauqua County Foundation Committee to administer the Great Lakes Environmental Collaborative. Jim was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He represented Ducks Unlimited on the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen Board and was named their 1995 Conservationist of the Year. With Ducks Unlimited, he also served as area chairman, district chairman, and in 1998 became the State chairman. He served as the State Greenwing Chairman from 1993-2005. He also served as a member of the Ducks Unlimited National Committee. In 2019, Jim was especially honored to be inducted into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patti; sons: James Jr. (Nina) and Timothy (Jill); daughters: Carolyn Kelleher (Ken) and Jacqueline Terrill (Warren); and his faithful Yellow Labrador, Bridget. Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Five very special people in his life were Sue Pasquale (Patti’s sister) who helped Jim and Patti on many occasions, especially during his recent illness, his longtime special friend, Ted Taft Jr.: Kathy Stelmach, his “adopted” daughter; Kim Keicher who were always there for Jim and Patti during his illness and anytime needed; and Tom Wickham (Patti’s brother) who was like another son from age 3 to the present day.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 12 Central Ave., Brocton, N.Y., on Oct 1, 2022, at 10 a.m. with Father Dan Walsh officiating. Following the church service, a full Military Honors Ceremony will be performed at the John W. Dill American Legion Post 434, 110 W, Main St,, Brocton, N.Y., at noon, followed by a luncheon. All are invited to attend.

James E. Farrell Sr. aka ‘‘Big Daddy Duck’’

Memorial contributions may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787, Former Troopers Helping Hands, PO Box 432, West Seneca, NY 14224, or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

Funeral services are being provided and cared for by the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland Avenue, Brocton, N.Y.

To leave a message of sympathy or share a story for Jim’s family, log on to www.themorsefuneral home.com.