Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Oliver McFarland
James Oliver McFarland
Obituary
Guest Book
James McFarland Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
August 15, 1935 - December 16, 2023
James Oliver McFarland "Jim" of West Roxbury, MA passed away peacefully at home, entering Heaven on December 16, 2023 at the age of 88. Son of the late Bernard and Sarah (Duffy) McFarland of County Monaghan, Ireland. Dear brother of Kathleen, Paul, Joseph, Evelyn, and Felix. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Eileen (Rice) McFarland, and their children: Bernard, Joy, Peter, Paul, John and eleven grandchildren. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family both near and far.
Jim was born in 1935 and raised on the family dairy farm built by his father in Co. Monaghan, Ireland. He began his career as a furniture builder in Ireland. At the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States sailing on the last steamship from Ireland. With $50 in his pocket he arrived in New York and began working immediately as a carpenter six days a week and never truly stopped. In 1969 Jim founded a construction business, James O. McFarland Inc., where his family continues to carry on his legacy. That same year, Jim built a home for his wife to-be as a wedding gift beside the church and school where he was actively involved.
Jim proudly served in the Irish Republican Army as well as the United States Army Reserves.
He treasured vacationing with his family by the ocean in Florida and Maine as well as trips back home to Ireland.
Jim will be remembered by those who loved him as being humble, positive, generous, and quick to offer an encouraging word.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for visiting hours at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street West Roxbury, on Friday December 22nd from 4-7pm. Funeral from the funeral home on December 23rd at 9am. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Name Parish, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA at 10:00 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Lea Goddard
January 10, 2024
God bless you and your family at this sad time. Mr. McFarland was always, kind, fair and had a ready smile to share. I will miss seeing him around 1 A St! Know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Lea Goddard, 1 A St.
Kathleen McFarland Woods
December 25, 2023
Dear Eileen, Barnie, Joy, Peter, Paul, John and families
It was with great sadness that we learned about Uncle Jim Oliver´s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
We´ll always remember the much-anticipated Sunday night phone calls to our father Felix in Keenogue. There was great recounting, recalling and reminiscing about life between Ireland and Boston. At Christmastime, the nicest Christmas cards were selected and posted by Air Mail to America well in advance of Christmas Day. Jim Oliver made many trips to Ireland over the years and we´ll always appreciate his support in good times and in bad.
Jim Oliver will always stay alive and smiling in our memories and hearts. May his soul Rest in Peace. Our Family are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
From Kathleen, Brendan, Clare, Monica, Colm and Sharon Mc Farland(and families) Keenogue and Listillen, Co.Monaghan Ireland.
Gordon Maxwell
December 22, 2023
Our Deepest Sympathy to Eileen and all of Jim´s children and extended family on your loss. My memories of Jim since I´ve known him over the last 18 years or so are of a successful businessman, a true honest gentleman, full of kindness, generosity and compassion. Whenever I found myself in the US for business or pleasure, I would always try to fit in a visit to Jim, Eileen, `Auntie´ Kathleen and Jim´s family on Cefalo Road and I would subsequently be treated with the utmost welcome, kindness and hospitality. The attached photo was taken during one of those visits in Sept. 2018. May Jim Rest In Peace and may the Lord comfort Eileen and Jim´s family in their grief at this time and in the weeks and months ahead.
Gordon & Monica (nee McFarland) Maxwell, Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath Ireland
Carmel Deery
December 22, 2023
On behalf of myself , sister Agnes and my mother Renee Deery ,I would like to convey our sympathy on Oliver´s passing to his wife Eileen and his family . My father Peter and Oliver would have been first cousins. And while Oliver left these shores at a young age, my father would have had a great interest and pride in the McFarlands travels and successes. We had the good fortune to reconnect with Oliver( Jim) and his wife Eileen this past summer . He was a very engaging man and we were delighted to have had that opportunity and those reminiscing conversations.The warmth of the McFarland welcome very evident . We will remember you and your family in our prayers. May the road rise to meet you. May the sun be always at your back and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Carmel Deery Ireland
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Nancy Archer
December 18, 2023
I am so saddened to hear about this. After having helped Mr. McFarland for years at the neighborhood CVS Pharmacy, I am so sorry that I won´t be able to hear him say, "August 15, 1935" anymore, with his lovely Irish accent. My condolences to his family and rest in peace, James. Perhaps you and my dad can have a few laughs up there.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Make a Donation
in James McFarland's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James McFarland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously