James Mcfarland

January 27, 1965, is the day the Lord saw fit to let the world begin to experience
James Monroe McFarland Jr. He was the firstborn son and the middle child of
Maggie Lee McFarland and James Monroe McFarland Sr. His parents shared
their love with his two younger brothers, Craig and David, and his two older
sisters, Vera and Lawanda.
James spent his formative years making it known to the mean streets of NYC's
five boroughs that he was tougher than anything or anyone placed in his path.
He had an affinity for fast cars with subwoofers that shook houses from blocks
away, shearling coats, and protecting those he cherished with a might even
stronger than his bullish will.
A man of powerful conviction, James believed nothing could stop a person with
a determined mind. He lived by the philosophy that if you wanted something,
you should go after it—letting no one and nothing stop you from being your
best self and achieving your dreams. He embodied that conviction in his career
as a New York City corrections officer—a hard-nosed job he took on with the
goal of retiring early and never having to work for anyone again. He would
often tell the story of a melee that broke out on his first day, and how every shift
after that, he would vow to quit—only to return the next day, ready to face
another battle.
James was deeply committed to providing for and protecting his family—a
family he built with his beautiful high school sweetheart, Elisa. They met in the
early '80s and shared a love that spanned over 40 years. Together, they brought
two children into the world, James (Cyenah) and Ashley (Rosie), and had the
joy of helping nurture their three grandchildren: Monroe, Zaina, and Gerard.
James could talk endlessly about how much he adored his family and how
proud he was of their accomplishments.
His love extended beyond his immediate family. He had an abundance of
nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law to whom he found fulfillment in offering
advice, car rides, cooked meals, and shared laughter. His warmth and love
made our house a home.
James also had a lifelong love for loud, fast, naturally aspirated Mopar muscle
cars. He collected a number of them over the years, a tribute to his youth spent
with his father and uncles tinkering with similar vehicles.
On March 23, with the love of his life Elisa by his side, James joined the
angels—his father James Sr., his mother Maggie, and his sister Vera. He leaves
behind a legacy of unwavering determination and love, and his guiding words:
Press forward steadfastly, undeterred by anyone or anything, and attain the
dreams of your heart.

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