Obituary of James H. Farley

James H. Farley died peacefully at his home in Basking Ridge, N.J. Sunday morning after a courageous three year battle with prostate cancer; he was 52 years old. He was a beloved and inspiring husband and father, a productive and generous community member, and a respected and award-winning real estate executive. Jim was born and raised in Garden City, N.Y. a fourth child in a family of five. From an early age he was known for his earnestness and industriousness. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College. In further studies, he achieved an MBA from Columbia University, along with a Diploma in Construction Management from N.Y.U. He began his professional career in 1980 at Muirfield Contracting, a heavy construction general contractor, where he ran field operations. Four years later he started his real estate career at Williams Real Estate Company. A half dozen years after that, with advanced degree in hand, he was hired by the legendary Stanley Stahl. At the Stahl Organization, owner, developer, and investor of more than four million square feet of office and retail space as well several thousand apartments, Jim thrived and expanded his career, rising to Senior Vice President. In addition to building management responsibilities, he oversaw renovations, conversions, and restorations of iconic New York buildings, including: 277 Park Ave, The Lunt-Fontanne Theater, The Apple Bank Building, L Haus, The Chanin Building, among others. In 2009 he was honored by his peers in the New York Real Estate Industry as the Management Executive of the Year for "outstanding professionalism, civic achievement, and contributions to the real estate industry." Meanwhile, Jim brought his attention to detail, energetic outreach, and productivity to his longtime community of Basking Ridge where he coached for the Somerset Hills Soccer Club, led the Somerset Hills Indian Guide and Princess Program, and the Destination Imagination Program. He also had a lengthy and rich relationship as a member of the Liberty Corner Fire Company, for whom he also served as a Trustee. Jim was a devoted and ever-attentive partner to his wife, the love of his life, Eileen (nee Nelson). He loved his children and was adored by them; he was an exceptional role model. By example he inspired them to think of others, be happy, and spread the joy to others around them, as he always did. The highlight of each year for Jim and family was the vacation trip to various destinations-for discovery, adventure, and shared enjoyment; as recently as summer 2009 he was hiking in Glacier National Park. Jim was gifted with a special and selfless personality. He brought an effervescent and caring attention to others as he interacted with them. Jim excelled at having a good time, particularly when with his family, as his many friends will attest. Surviving are his loving wife of twenty-four years, Eileen, his four wonderful children, Hilary, Brendan, Julia, and Neil, mother Catherine Hunt Healy, brothers Dan (Kara), Greg (Andree), sisters Elizabeth (Bradley Quin) and Kathleen (Richard Louis), and many relatives and friends. A funeral mass will be held Thursday July 29, 2010 at 10AM at St. James R.C. Church. Prior, friends may visit with the family at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, Basking Ridge, on Wednesday July 28 between 2-4pm and 6-9pm. Interment will be at St Teresa Cemetery, Summit, N.J. Afterwards there will be a celebration of Jim's life at the Liberty Corner Fire Company building. Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jim's memory are asked to consider: Atlantic Homecare and Hospice, which provided invaluable support in Jim's final weeks, 33 Bleeker St, Milburn, N.J. 07041, as well as the Liberty Corner Fire Company, P.O. Box 98, Liberty Corner, N.J. 07938.