James Gilbert Ferrell ( Mofabi )

James Gilbert Ferrell (Mofabi) died peacefully in the evening at the Temple Veterans Hospice on July 14th, 2019, with family and friends by his side. 

He was born in Galveston, Tx on Nov 10, 1940. He was the son of Thomas Ferrell and Eleanor (nee’ Gibson) Ferrell.He is survived by his adoring wife Connie, two daughters Tracy York of Cameron and her husband Coy York and Holly Renee of Austin. Also, Grandsons Ritchie, Jesse, Ferrell and Joshua. And six great grandchildren.

Mofabi (means “lightning steel worker” in Swahili) he worked all his life in the steel industry and was one of the five founding members of the Texas Professional Farrier Association. His favorite vocation was as an Ornamental Blacksmith and he made many beautiful things. He said the purpose of his life was to keep a dying art and its techniques alive until the next generation could pick them up. He was also a world traveler and lived in Mexico for two years.

He was a frequent Volunteer and supporter of The Friends of the Pound House Foundation and taught hundreds of children and adults about blacksmithing for more than ten years (see the Pound House website for more pictures of Jim). He enjoyed many deep friendships in Dripping Springs and cheered many people with his wisdom, jokes and jovial ways. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held August 9th, at 9:30 am followed by a reception at Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 10408 Highway 290 W Austin 78736. All are welcome and a commemorative party is planned at the Pound House in the Fall.

If wished, in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Blacksmithing program at the Pound House.Special thanks to the Harmony House program at the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church for all the joy they brought Jim and others these past three years.