James Stanley Ferrier

James "Jim" Stanley Ferrier

passed away surrounded by his family on October 5, 2022, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin at the age of 79.

Jim was born on October 13,1942, the only son of Joseph Hubert Ferrier and Clara Anna Ferrier (nee Wroblewski), with whom he is now reunited in Heaven. He is survived by his former spouse and lifelong friend, Barbara Ferrier (nee Conger); his three sons, Dave (Brianna Elmer), John and Dan (Dawn Lindsey); his three grandchildren, Harrison (son of John), Regan (daughter of Dave and Brianna) and Scotlyn (daughter of Dan and Dawn); and his cousin, Jim Perlewitz. Through his marriage to Barbara, Jim is also survived by sisters-in-law Bonnie (Wayne Alexander) and Beverly (Jeff Rice); nieces Lori (Chris Jones), Kari Alexander (Ed Rothbauer) and Michelle (Matt Berres); great-nieces Grace, Allie, Emily, Ella; and Crystal and great-nephews Tyler, Jason, and Joshua.

Jim devoted his life to his family, his country and his community. Jim always wanted to be a Marine -- so, at age 17, he enlisted. After graduating from boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina in 1961, he served with the Marine Corps Reserves for 23 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1982. During the Vietnam War, Jim made family calls when a Marine was KIA and served on funeral details. Jim was also an honored recipient of the Major Richard I. Bong Award. After retiring, Jim remained active in many veteran groups, including the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1 and the Marine Corps League. Jim also had a robust collection of military items that decorated his home, including a mannequin dressed in combat gear standing guard in his front hallway -- certain to scare away any unfamiliar visitors.

Always proud of his children, Jim was especially proud when all three of his sons also chose to serve their country during Desert Storm (Dave, Marine Corps, and John, Navy) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Dan, Marine Corps/WI ArmyNG).

In addition to his military career, Jim served the City of Milwaukee for 32 years with the Police Department. Jim became a police officer on May 24, 1965 and had many stories from his earlier days on patrol, including delivering a baby (Jim always said he was more afraid than the mother!) and removing a live grenade from a phone booth on the southside of Milwaukee so it could be exploded safely (for which Jim received a commendation). Jim had several roles and promotions within the Identification Bureau of the Police Department, and worked on several difficult cases, including the Jeffrey Dahmer and Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 crash cases. Jim retired as a Captain on July 1, 1997.

After recovering from a near-death health crisis in 2010, Jim became a devoted man of Faith, joining the congregation of Grace Lutheran Church on Oklahoma Avenue, led by Pastor Novelli. Early to everything, Jim would often be the first one to worship on Sunday mornings. Jim also attended bible class at Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church, led by Pastor Koble -- a fellow Marine, with whom Jim shared a kinship.

They say Marines don’t die without permission. God, the only one who can, finally gave Jim permission, and he now stands guard at the Pearly Gates, in dress uniform, waiting for his loved ones to join him, likely with a 6-pack in hand. Call sign, Beer Can 6: Out.

Jim’s final resting place will be with other veterans at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to either the Milwaukee County War Memorial, 750 N Lincoln Memorial Drive Milwaukee 53202 or Grace Lutheran Church on Oklahoma Avenue, 3030 West Oklahoma Ave Milwaukee 53215

would be greatly appreciated.