In Memoriam - Jim Farley
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Farley, 75, a longtime resident of Palisades and a beloved figure in the world of radio news.
Jim died at UF Health in Gainesville, FL on August 18, 2024, during surgery for an aneurysm. His death was confirmed by his family.
Jim and his family moved from Queens, New York to Palisades in late 1975 and lived there until moving to Washington, DC in 1995. He and his wife Johanna were active in many civic organizations and Johanna head- ed up the Department of Consumer Protection and Weights & Measures for the County of Rockland. Prior to retiring in Fort Myers Beach in 2014, Farley served as Vice President of News and Programming at WTOP AM and FM, the Washington, D.C. area's premier news radio stations, for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, WTOP transformed into one of the most listened-to news stations and the highest revenue radio station in the coun- try, winning numerous awards for its outstanding news coverage, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and the highest standards of journalism left an indelible mark on both the station and the industry. Jim's career in broadcasting began in 1966 as a copy boy at WINS in New York, the nation’s first all-news radio station. He went on to serve in senior news executive roles at NBC News and ABC News before moving to Washington to join WTOP. Jim was a mentor to countless journalists and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many in the industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim Farley was known for his warmth, wit (with a particular fondness for dad jokes), kindness and generosity. After retirement, he worked as a news consultant and media nonprofit board member and served as President of the Estero Bayside Condominium Association, leading recovery efforts after the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Irma and Ian.
Jim is survived by his wife, Johanna Farley, his sons J.T. and Patrick, daughters-in-law Shelley and Jaime and grandchildren Evan, Lena, Nora and Claire. Private memorial services will be held at later dates for family members and friends to celebrate Jim’s remarkable life and career.