John Roger Farrell

Captain John Roger Farrell departed this life from The McGraw Center for Caring, N.E. Florida Community Hospice in the early hours of October 15th, 2017. Roger was in his 91st year. Roger is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria Farrell nee Maxwell and his two daughters Cynthia Farrell and Holly Farrell, and pre-deceased by his middle daughter Julie Farrell. Roger will be lovingly remembered by his sons-in-law, Kenneth May and Antony Breuer and numerous step grand-children and great grand-children. Roger was a career U.S. Navy veteran with almost 30 years of dedicated service. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He led an extensive career at sea and in the air. He earned his wings as a pilot and went on to be a member of the naval Hurricane Hunters which was one of the proudest moments of his career. Lives were risked and lives were lost, but the findings of the “Hunters” were responsible for saving the lives of thousands. The approach that his team developed for entering the eye of the storm is still used today. Roger also served during World War II prior to Annapolis and was active during the Cold War including Vietnam and many more special deployments. He was the Commanding Officer of the Mad Foxes Squadron, VP 5 in Jacksonville, as well as Commanding Officer of the NATO base in Keflavik, Iceland. As his last orders, he was assigned to Naval Material in Washington, D.C. From there he retired with Honorable Discharge and went on to a civilian career in Canada, prior to his return to Florida in the late 80’s. Roger was a longtime resident of Old Church Road in Fleming Island, Florida and a member of both St. Margaret’s Episcopalian Church and St. Mary’s of Green Cove Springs. The Captain spent many years serving on the Fleming Island Library Board as well as the Clay County Fair Organizing Committee. He, along with Gloria, were proud members of the Master Gardeners and early members of the Club Continental in Orange Park. Their attendance at Sunday brunch was a weekly event and something they both cherished and looked forward to without fail. A very giving man, he spent over twenty-five years with the Clay County 4H Marine group. He educated his groups on the environment and the marine underwater world, and was always there to dedicate time and resources to any and all that attended. The camping trips were looked forward to by many and “Mr. Roger” as he was known, made sure everyone was welcome. Not all trips worked out as planned, but I think most would agree a lot of life lessons were learned from 4H. To this day, Christmas does not seem the same without the annual 4H Christmas party with hot dogs and hamburgers and an assortment of fish to use for painting purposes (you would have had to attend to understand). I know from the feedback received over the years that Roger’s time was well spent and that his 4H’rs have gone on to become admirable citizens with families of their own and have passed on the values learned. Roger was loved and respected by many people and his passing leaves a large void in the community as well as in the hearts of all the people whose lives he has touched over the years. Rest in peace Roger and thank you for all you’ve done to make the world a better place. Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church with The Reverend Celeste R. Tisdelle officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Cemetery.