James L. Farrell

On March 8th, 2024, the world lost a wonderful human. At 2100 that evening, James L. Farrell, passed away surrounded by family.

He worked with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office for just shy of 40 years, touching lives, changing perspectives and collecting stories to tell whenever the moment arose. He will forever be remembered for his boisterous laugh and his penchant for mischief.

If you needed ANYTHING he was the guy to call, because it didn't matter what time of day, rain, sleet or snow, he would drop everything to come help however he could. Even if all he could do was sit with you and commiserate or maybe lighten the mood.

His is hardly a case of "gone too soon", because with a life as well lived as his how can that be so. Yet its entirely fitting because he still had so much he wanted to contribute. Always wondering what more he could have done, despite having divided/shared his time so freely.

Along with the Sheriff's Office he spent many years on the Deputy Cliff Rescue Team and as an Advisor for Explorer Post #830 Search and Rescue explorers. He was the BAMRU liaison and an OES Law Liaison, along with several other titles that may have been missed, and all while still being there for his children. Firm, but understanding. Teaching to be kind and capable, to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Most of all he taught us to think for ourselves, though he sometimes regretted how well we learned our lessons.

He is survived by his Wife of 29 years, Traci, two daughters, Kaila and Kulani(Kat) and two granddaughters, Scarlette and Lilith. He is also survived by two sisters, Yvonne and Teri, and three brothers, David, Bill and John. In addition to so many who loved him.