James Leonard Farrell

James Leonard Farrell entered into eternal life May 18, 2022 after a brief illness. James was born on November 1, 1933 and was the first child born to Virginia and Raymond "Bud" Farrell. He was raised on the family ranch in Camarillo with his five brothers: Michael, Martin, Peter, John, and Charles; and sister Virginia.

James attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles, CA. in 1952, where he majored in Engineering. After high school, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War from 1954-1957 when he was honorably discharged. In 1957, he attended California State Polytechnic College, Pomona, majoring in Fruit Production and Ornamental Horticulture. In 1961, he received his BS in Ornamental Horticulture from California State Polytechnic College, San Luis Obispo, Ca.

After school, James was offered a position by the Lay Mission Helpers to participate amongst a select group of volunteers to spend three years as a Lay missionary in Papua New Guinea. He was honored to accept this position knowing that some of the primitive cultures and lifestyles he would be encountering could possibly put him in perilous conditions. Along with sharing the Word of God, he also spent his time as a missionary supervising building projects and sharing his knowledge of citrus and vegetable production, and tractor and equipment maintenance with those he encountered. This opportunity became one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of his life.

Upon Jim's return, he settled in the rural area of Riverside County where he was able to continue his horticultural and missionary endeavors in a more familiar setting. James was a member of the St. Francis of Rome Church in Menifee, a 3rd knight of Knights of Columbus Council #7809, Lake Elsinore and a life long humble servant of God. He propagated palm trees, Gogi and Acai berries (prior to them attaining "superfruit" status), and other plants which he wholesaled through his numerous companies.

Jim's life was dedicated to the service of others. He was never married and had no children. But regardless of where his travels took him, when holidays came around, he would always make it a point to be with his parents, brothers, sister and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. It is said that Jim was often late for family gatherings because he would stop and assist anyone who had broken down on the highway. This tardiness upset his mother but when she would find out the reason, it would always make her proud.

While describing James, so many wonderful qualities come to mind. His incredible intellect, his constant strive for knowledge (taking computer courses well into his 70s!), his uncanny way of staying in contact with our extended family, his remarkable kindness, his attentiveness to his family members and friends' birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc., and his rascally sense of humor that was so special and unique, it could easily be overlooked without the crack of his smile or the chuckle of his voice. He will be sorely missed by all. James is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Virginia, and his brothers Michael Farrell, John Farrell and brother-in-law Gary Hunt. He is survived by his brothers Martin Farrell, Peter Farrell, Charles Farrell and sister-in-law Diana Farrell, sister Virginia Hunt, and sisters-in-law Kathleen Farrell and Susan Farrell.

A Funeral Mass will be held on June 8, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Padre Serra 5205 Upland Rd., Camarillo, Ca. 93010, with reception to follow.