Retired Hillsboro firefighter laid to rest
(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Fire and EMS)
Longtime firefighter and public servant James “Jim” Ferrell was laid to rest Tuesday, June 11 in Hillsboro, with area first responders among those honoring his life.
Ferrell passed away June 5. He was 83.
A 1959 graduate of Hillsboro High School, Ferrell retired in 1993 from the Hillsboro Fire Department as a captain after 25 years of service. He also formerly served as the Emergency Management Director of Highland County for several years.
The Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District and other area fire departments participated in services Tuesday morning, which were handled by Thompson Funeral Home at Hillsboro Global Methodist Church with Dr. Rev. Derek Russell officiating.
Firefighters used their trucks to drape a flag over U.S. 62 (North High Street) — set up near the former home of the Hillsboro Fire Department — for the funeral procession. Firefighters lined up to pay their final respects. The funeral also included other ceremonies in honor of Ferrell’s years of firefighting service.
In addition to being a local first responder, Mr. Ferrell was an active member of the Hillsboro community. He was a member of the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church, past president of the Hillsboro Jaycees, past president of Hillsboro Lions Clubs, a founding member of the Hillsboro Festival of the Bells, Troop Master of the Cub Scouts, Troop Master of the Boy Scouts and Committee Member of the Boy Scouts at Hillsboro Global Methodist Church, according to his obituary.
Mr. Ferrell is survived by three loving sons, Stephen (Tammy) Ferrell of Leesburg, James W. (Karen) Ferrell of Beaufort, S.C. and Brian Ferrell of Hillsboro; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
For more information, see Mr. Ferrell’s obituary at: https://highlandcountypress.com/obituaries/james-w-ferrell.
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