Online memorial in memory of James Ferris

Memorial Wall

In Flanders Field

signed byJohn McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

The Final Inspection

signed byUnknown

The sailor stood and faced his God, Which must always comes to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, you Navy man, How should I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you always been true?" The sailor squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who shoot the guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most every day, And at times my talk was tough, And sometimes I've been violent, 'Cause the world and sea is rough. But, I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear, And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here, They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears. If you have a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand." There was a silence all around the throne Where saints had often trod. As the navy man waited quietly, For the judgment of God. "Step forward now, you sailor, You've borne your burden well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell."

24 Feb 2013

Guest Book

Albert Bodt, M.D.

21 Jan 2015

James Ferris was my second skipper while I served aboard U.S.S. Coral Sea. I think every sailor aboard would agree that Captain (RAdm)Ferris was a sailors captain. His leadership was that of a disciplined, compassionate, fair, unpretentious individual which gained the approbation of all who served under him. I had several opportunities to speak with him privately during his tenure as skipper as well as a few years before he passed. His demeanor always made me feel comfortable. I spoke with him in October of 2006, a couple of years before his passing. I was a petty officer In E-Division, while serving aboard Coral Sea.I told him that after I got out of the Navy I had become a doctor. He replied with an exuberant "Al, I am so proud of you", as if he was my father, which of course to many of us aboard, aged 18-22 he was, figuratively. I can say without hesitation that he was loved by every member of the crew. We of course miss him and remember him with fondness as a colleague and leader in an impressionable time of our lives.

Phillip Kuhn

24 Dec 2014

Words cannot express the admiration I had for this great leader of men. RADM Ferris was a leader that understood the lesser ranks and was always smiling. RADM Ferris use to call a lot of personnel by their first name once he saw you once or twice. I was humbled to know and serve under this great leader of men. May RADM Ferris have fair winds and following seas in his journey.

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