By Mark Vaz
Jimmy Farrell, 69, a well-known and highly respected trainer from Quincy, MA passed away Monday after a long battle with cancer. Born in nearby Rockland, MA, Farrell campaigned in the 1970’s in the featherweight division as a pro, retiring with a record of 17-4-3, 6 KOs. Farrell trained under his father the late Jim Farrell, Sr, also a Boston area promoter, as well as hall of famer Cus D’Amato in Catskill, NY.
Jimmy operated several gyms in Quincy area over the years during a career that spanned nearly five decades and produced over 40 amateur champions as well as dozens of professionals, including Mark DeLuca, Ryan Kielczewski, Steve Vukosa, Chris and Vinnie Traietti, Nick and Mike Morganelli and Nick Cyr.
An old-school trainer, Jimmy truly understood fighters, never trying to mold them in his own style, instead instilling in them solid basics then adapting them to the fighter’s natural strengths. Be they boxers or brawlers, Farrell got the most out of his fighters.
Never one to share the spotlight, Jimmy was tireless in the gym but always stepped back to allow his fighters to enjoy the accolades of their victories. His quiet competence and humble demeanor garnered life-long loyalty and friendship from fighters, managers, trainers and promoters who knew him.
Never jealous of other’s successes Jimmy delighted in fellow trainer’s achievements in the sport, always glad to have been able to help them along the way. He truly loved the sport and the opportunity it gave him to share his knowledge and skill to help guide young fighters through the difficult and demanding sport to become the best boxers they could be.
Jimmy leaves five children, Jimmy, Ryan, Jamie, Janice and Domenic. A memorial service will be announced by his family later in the week.
May he rest in peace and may God comfort his family and loved ones…
Well done, Mark Vaz!
The best from all the rest the love of my life he taught me boxing and changed my life 10 years love and like he says keep punching .I’ll miss. U my lovey A legend and I was lucky to be loved by u
R.I.P Jimmy you will be missed.
Great job Mark.
Sean Fitzgerald
Jimmy was one of a kind we in Rockland referred to him as the Sha..Took my two sons my nephew and my niece to O’Malleys turns out my niece was the battle fighter rest in peace my little buddy
Jimmy was one of a kind ! He had impacted thousands of peoples lives in such a way that will never be forgotten! His name will live on by generations to come just by the dedication and the stamp he left in each one of our heart ! Jimmy is now at peace ! He finished on Earth and passed the torch to great men and woman to keep his legacy alive ! We owe him that !
Jim, I will miss all the good time we had as friends. You are always to be remembered for your generosity and gentle manner unless you were in the ring. I enjoyed watching your bouts and the accolades you deserved. RIP my brother and God bless your family.