Editor,

I learned earlier this week that my friend and colleague James “Shorty” Farley passed away. That was tough news to hear, but it was not unexpected. Shorty was recently diagnosed with cancer, and he put up a courageous fight.

The last time I saw Shorty, he still had his trademark sense of humor, and that’s the way I will always remember him. Despite his illness, he still took the time to ask how I was doing and how the Chapmanville High School football team had done the night before.

He was always quick with a kind word and a joke. He loved to laugh. He loved sports. He loved his community.

Shorty deserves to be given special recognition for his service, although he would never have asked for it. He deserves so much more than this simple letter. He served his country and his community without any thought of himself. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and as a member of the Chapmanville Town Council for many years. He was also involved with Chapmanville athletics for many years. He was a true Chapmanville Tiger.

I feel very fortunate to have known Shorty and to have served on the Town Council with him. I believe his passion for life and community service is something we can all admire. I also believe his sense of humor and dignity, especially when facing difficult circumstances, is something we should all respect.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I pray they find some comfort in knowing he was a good, honest, hard-working person. I hope they know just how great an impact he had on so many people’s lives and on the Town of Chapmanville. He will be missed.

Jeremy Farley

Chapmanville