Jack Eugene Farley Sr

Jack Eugene Farley Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Grants, New Mexico. Born on August 24, 1932, in Princewick, West Virginia, Jack’s life was marked by dedication—to his family, his country, and his community but above all, by the adventures, stories, and relationships that made him unforgettable.
Jack was an adventurous man from the very beginning. He often shared stories of his childhood running through the woods of West Virginia, getting into mischief with his ten siblings and learning the toughness and independence that would define him for the rest of his life. Those early years shaped the man he became—resilient, hardworking, and always ready for the next adventure.
That toughness carried him into adulthood and into military service. In 1952, during the Korean War, Jack answered the call to serve by joining the United States Air Force. Stationed in Germany, he proudly served his country.
After Jack’s honorable service, he built a life rooted in hard work and family. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Janet Mitchem. He adored her deeply, and when he looked at her, you could tell he always only saw the young, beautiful woman he first fell in love with. She remained the everlasting twinkle in his eye. In 1960, they moved their young family to Grants, New Mexico, where together they built a strong and loving foundation that would span generations.
That same year, Jack began working in the uranium mines, later continuing his career at the local gypsum plant in Grants until his retirement in 1990. But work was never simply a job to Jack, it was another chapter in the story of the life he was building. He came to know Grants and its surrounding mountain ranges like few others; memorizing every rock, aspen tree, watering hole, and fork in the road. The outdoors was never just a place to him, it was part of who he was.
He never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of befriending everyone, even those known for being closed off, or unfriendly. He could break through barriers and form meaningful friendships, many of which resulted in more stories and adventures that he later shared with his grandchildren.
If you knew Jack, you knew he had many things to be proud of, but he was most proud of his three sons: Jack Farley Jr., Terry Farley, and Wayne Farley. Whether it was golfing, hunting, fishing, or simply having a burger at the casino with them, those moments with his boys were some of his most treasured. As the years went on, Jack continued to find great joy in those same activities, especially when shared with his grandsons, great-grandsons, and grandsons-in-law. He was an outstanding golfer and remained active in hunting and fishing adventures, creating lasting memories and traditions across generations. Each outing often ended the same way, with stories shared over dinner and laughter filling the room as the family relived the day together.
He loved his daughters-in-law as his own, often playing silly jokes on them while always remaining protective and caring. Jack carried a childlike spirit with him always, which made it easy for children to connect with him. His grandchildren adored him. He could tell stories that entertained the youngest child all the way to the oldest adult, and his sharp memory allowed him to tell those stories as if they had happened yesterday.
That gift for storytelling made him a natural fit as a volunteer at the Grants Mining Museum, where he became a beloved tour guide for many years. He generously donated both his personal artifacts and his time, sharing the history and spirit of mining life with visitors in a way only Jack could. His detailed knowledge, vivid memory, and love for storytelling brought him immense joy and left a lasting impression on everyone who listened.
His legacy lives on through his surviving family: his sons Jack Farley Jr. (and wife Elaine Farley), Terry Farley (and wife Janet Farley), and Wayne Farley; his grandchildren Tammy Brown (and husband TK Brown), Stacie Serrano (and husband Tony Serrano), Tara Brown (and husband Marc Brown), Leah Farley, Rachel Otero (and husband Christopher Otero), Kevin Farley (and wife Kenna Farley), and Adrian Farley (and wife Kimberlin Farley); and an extended family of 15 great-grandchildren who will carry his spirit forward.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet Farley, his parents Avery and Edrie Farley, and many siblings who shared the earliest chapters of his life.
This is a great loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing Jack. We’ve lost a historian, a storyteller, a hunting guide, and a role model. Jack wore many hats and was admired and respected by all.
Jack’s family remembers him as a wonderful husband, father, granddad, and great grandad whose presence added immeasurable strength and warmth to their lives. His unique role in their hearts and lives can never be replaced, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew and loved him.
A viewing will be held on May 4, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace Baptist Church, located at 717 Victor Ave, Milan, New Mexico, 87021. The funeral service is scheduled for the following day, May 5, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM at the same location. Burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park Cemetery, 500 West Roosevelt Avenue, Grants, New Mexico, beginning at 12:00 PM.
In this time of mourning, family, friends, and community are invited to celebrate the life of Jack Eugene Farley Sr.—a man of steadfast resolve, generous heart, and enduring love. His memory will forever remain an inspiration to all who had the honor to know him.