James David Farrey

OREGON - James David Farrey, husband, father of four, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Brooklyn, Wis., on October 24, 2025, at the young age of 34.

James was born on November 3, 1990, to Dawn (Miller) Gray and Dave Farrey. Two years later, his brother Jordan was born. From the start, James had a strong-willed spirit, keeping everyone around him on their toes. He grew up spending a lot of time with his Grandma Norma in Shullsburg, Wis., who was the only person to call him “Jimmy,” and the two grew a bond built on unconditional love and stern talks as James pushed all the buttons he could. James attended elementary through high school in Belmont, where his mom remarried and welcomed James’ three sisters.

James was good at many things and found a love for computers very young, building his own and hosting World of Warcraft parties with his friends, which he continued to play into adulthood. James was very smart and eventually went on to become a journeyman plumber, completing his apprenticeship through Madison College, even beginning dreams of starting his own business which he named Quad K Plumbing. James wore the title of “plumber” very proudly and was a member of the local 75.

James met the love of his life, Ashley (Erickson) Farrey, in high school and the two were inseparable. They welcome their two sons, Kade in 2010 and Kamden in 2011, before getting married in Prairie du Chien on July 20, 2013. The two lived in Oregon, Wis., and welcomed two more to their crew, Kennedy in 2017 and Kaysen in 2019. These four littles all share many of James’ features and are undeniably his.

James will always be remembered for his goofy laugh, great sense of humor, lover of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Milwaukee Brewers, UFC/MMA, and metal and rap music - specifically Motionless in White, Alice In Chains, Marilyn Manson, Eminem and Avenged Sevenfold. Recently, James began enjoying learning jujutsu with his son, Kamden. He and Ashley often attended rock cruises and festivals each year to see some of their favorite bands. They loved to travel and see new places together, even taking the kids on their first cruise this last year.

It was hard to miss James in a room full of people. He was always making friends everywhere he went and known for giving a big hug around the neck. He loved hard. He enjoyed dressing nice and always had expensive taste. James enjoyed collecting hats of his favorite sports teams and had way too many shoes.

James is survived by his wife, Ashley; four children Kade (15), Kamden (14), Kennedy (8) and Kaysen (6); his two beloved dogs, Kora and his best friend Aspen; mother, Dawn Gray and bonus dad, Don Gray; father, Dave Farrey; brother, Jordan (Kassidy) Farrey; three sisters, Brianna (Kyle) VanBogaert, Katelyn (Wyatt Staff) Riechers and Megan (Tanner) Mullikin; and step-siblings, Nathaniel and Nicolas Gray. He was known as “big unc” to several nieces and nephews - Harper, Karter, Eli, Emery, Ledger, Rowan and Josie. His big family will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Evelyn Rice and Norma Farrey; cousin, Brandon Cooper; uncles, Bill Farrey and Brady Farrey, Timothy Farrey and Mark Miller; and grandfathers, Jerome Rice and Robert Farrey.

James’ family believed he would not want any formal services, but a celebration of life will be held at the OREGON VILLAGE HALL, 101 Alpine Parkway, Oregon, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515