There is no place in the world that my dad loved more than the zoo. Wherever we went, we would always try to find a new zoo to experience, but Brookfield Zoo remained his favorite place above all else. We spent every opportunity we could, from spontaneous days off to holidays, at the zoo together. When we lived out of state, he would come back to Illinois just to visit the zoo. Through those memories, he always made one thing clear about how he wants to be remembered. My dad's only wish for his memorial is a dedicated bench at Brookfield Zoo.

He loved the wolf and bear area the most, and we hope to dedicate his bench there. This will give everyone in his life a place to visit and remember him, as well as provide financial support to one of the organizations he cared for most. The zoo is one driving factor behind our move back to Illinois. He had dreamt of working there, and while it was not written in the stars for that to happen, this will allow him to spend his time at the place he loves most. A place for him to rest and watch the animals, a place to be visited and provide comfort to those who share in his love for the zoo and admire the beautiful, wild world we all belong to, both those who know him and those who never got the opportunity but can get to know and benefit from his love now.

One of my favorite memories when I was little happened at the zoo with my dad. They had a discount toy bin at the gift store in the Great Bear Wilderness area, where I became rather attached to some of the misfit stuffed animals, missing eyes or needing some repairs. He offered to purchase the entire toy bin for a larger total amount, but only if they allowed the payment to be a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. He has also been a part of the zoo's Animal Adoption program for several years, helping financially support Charlotte the Otter, whom he was always sure to visit when we went to the zoo. That is the kind of man he was and will continue to be remembered as, someone who prioritizes the happiness and well-being of his family and animals above all else. We are maintaining this legacy in every way we can, from his numerous bird and squirrel feeders and houses, to his pollinator garden he was so proud of, and our four-legged family members he left behind. This bench will fulfill his only fully vocalized wish, to contribute to the incredible efforts in conservation put forth by Brookfield Zoo, and to have a piece of himself forever memorialized in his favorite place.

Any donations received will go towards the donation and purchase of a bench dedication in memory of James H Ferry, father to Jess and JT, husband to Kriss, and loved by so many others. We, as his family, appreciate any contributions. Thank you for helping to remember and honor him in the way he requested.

More info on bench dedication at Brookfield Zoo:

https://www.brookfieldzoo.org//tributebenches?_gl=1

Service date is the latest estimate of when we will be able to begin the process. Celebration of life details are still being arranged and will be shared with those closest to us when it is set.