James Michael Farley touched the lives of many with his beautiful soul and his passion for life.  Even in sickness he strove to live life to its fullest, never backing down to pain or the limitations of illness, providing inspiration and guidance through his quiet wit. James continued throughout this time to work, play basketball, coach, and be a great father and husband, always encouraging everyone to rise above the daily grind.

James passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017 at age 49 after a year of battling cancer. He was born January 27, 1968, at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL to Kathleen and Gerald Jack Farley.  As he grew up, the family lived in communities throughout Nebraska, Virginia, and Colorado.  James attended Douglas County High School, finding great joy playing baseball and basketball. James' family was always a priority in life and his respect and love for them was one of his most admirable qualities.

On October 14, 1986, James enlisted in the US Marine Corp and was stationed at Camp Pendelton, 29 Palms, and USS Peleliu. Following his honorable discharge in 1990, James attended Chadron State College in Nebraska, volunteering on the Fire Department and earning his EMT certification as well as his Bachelor of Science in Education with endorsements in Math and Physics. He married Teresa Blaylock, in Alliance, NE on May 7, 1994 in the United Methodist Church. After his time in Chadron, James enjoyed his role as a teacher and coach in Garden City Kansas and Sidney Nebraska.  James was proud to transition from teaching to administration with a career as a principal at Baker Elementary School, continuing to coach his children's sports and mentor children and teachers of the Fort Morgan community.

James' family was his pride and joy.  Married to Teresa Blaylock for 23 years, together they guided their two boys, Jack(19) and Collin(13) though this beautiful life, showing them through example how to approach challenges and strive for success.

Surviving family members include his wife, Teresa, and their two sons, Jack, and Collin of Fort Morgan, CO; his mother Kathleen Farley of Highlands Ranch, and his siblings, Allana Farley and daughter of Denver, CO; Jack (Jennifer) Farley and family of Centennial; Catherine (Jason) Rust and family of Chadron, NE; and Dan (Patrice) Farley and son of Thornton, CO. James was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Jack Farley. Memorial Donations may be made in James' name to ONEMORGAN COUNTY through Heer Mortuaries and Crematory or to a College Fund to be split evenly between sons Jack and Collin by going directly to College Invest at Ugift529.com and using the code G12-U7J to make a contribution.