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April 19, 1963 – August 25, 2023
Lord, let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to Man. -- An Irish blessing
Joe was a generous man and loved his family and friends, poetry and literature, music and philosophy, sports and learning, being outside in nature, and all things beautiful. He loved his wife Jennifer Bredon McFarland (deceased 2014,) their children Kat Bredon Jeffrey and Joseph William Bredon McFarland. He relished family dinners prepared by his son, and delighted in time spent with Kat's two daughters, Bella and Freya.
Sports were a particular interest for Joe and he excelled in all he ever attempted. From his two unassisted triple-plays in Little League, to regional competitions for Punt Pass and Kick, as a Crusader at Parkersburg Catholic and as a Big Red at PHS taking the field playing both offense and defense, as well as being a valuable member of the PHS golf team becoming an All State player for both sports. He earned a scholarship to Lafayette College in Easton, PA playing both football and golf.
Joe attended West Virginia University Law School, earning his JD in 1988. His keen intellect, curiosity, and experience enabled him to champion legal issues for others throughout his career. He practiced as an attorney and Family Court Law Master in West Virginia, as an attorney in Florida, and most recently as an attorney for the West Virginia Fourth Circuit Public Defenders office in Parkersburg. Joe acted as a mentor for many yet never ceased himself to seek to learn even more from his colleagues and his clients. With respect to the Public Defenders office, he spoke often and with admiration of the staff's dedication and professionalism towards all of their clients.
Joe came from a big, loving family and he would give thanks to his four brothers, and two sisters for their deep love, laughter, care, and continuous support. He is especially grateful for his many cherished friends, all of whom made life worth living and are witness to the journey he made through so much of his life.
In a timeless tradition to celebrate Joe, family and friends will "Occupy Joe's Front Porch" on Friday, Sept. 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Grand Pointe Conference Center, 1500 Grand Central Avenue, Vienna WV. A remembrance service will be held at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to benefit the Children's Home Society of West Virginia is welcomed. (www.childhswv.org).