James J. Rafferty's Obituary
James J. Rafferty, of Oaklyn, NJ, formerly of Gloucester City, NJ, passed away on April 16, 2023, at the age of 74. Jim was born in Camden on February 16, 1949 to the late James E. Rafferty III and the late Catherine “Cass” Rafferty (nee Nolan). Loving father to Theresa Collins (Christopher) and James Rafferty (Allyson). Beloved Pop-Pop to Evangelina, Francesca, Carmella, and Constance. Cherished brother to the late Patrick (Linda), the late Hughie (Kitty Gallagher), Martin, the late Michael (Kathy), Catherine Narducci (Michael), Anne Peeke, Joseph (Barbara), and Mary Francis (Brian). Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Jim attended Gloucester Catholic High School and graduated from Glassboro State with a bachelor's degree in education. After Glassboro State, in 1971, he began teaching and coaching football and then later track at Delsea Regional High School. Jim valued education, respect, and effort, which he emulated and expected from others in his classroom and on the field. Coach Raff was a dedicated football coach and girls track coach to the Crusaders, and his game day speeches were unparalleled. He spent his final coaching years as a football coach at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. Overall, Jim cared deeply for his students and athletes, leaving a lasting imprint on many. After 46 years of teaching history and sociology at Delsea, Jim retired in 2017.
Jim was passionate about his community. He dedicated over 25 years to Oaklyn as a Councilman, was a longstanding member of the Revelers and the Knights of Columbus, and managed the Gloucester City Swim Club for several years. He was also a dedicated parishioner of Saint Rose in Haddon Heights, Saint Mary’s in Gloucester City, and formerly St. Aloysius Church in Oaklyn, NJ. We would be remiss if we did not mention the many summers Jim spent bartending at the Shamrock living at the “Gloucester House,” in Wildwood, which he cherished.
Jim’s greatest joy and title was always Dad and Pop-Pop. His unconditional love and support of his children and grandchildren is unmatched. When raising Theresa and Jimmy, he spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours on the road, on the field, or in the gym watching Theresa play softball and Jimmy wrestle. In his later years, he was the biggest cheerleader at his granddaughters’ events, never voluntarily missing a game or elementary school event.
Raff’s deepest love, after his children, was people. Walking into a local restaurant or diner with Dad was like being with a local celebrity. He always knew someone, and would eagerly say hello, shake their hand, and check on them. He had a giver’s heart, was reliable in good times or bad, and the love he shared with others fueled his soul. He wanted everyone around him to succeed, and consistently encouraged his friends, family, and students to “find a way to win.” Jim was steady, resilient, and courageous. A man of character. If you needed a meal, a ride, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement, Jim would give you it, as well as the shirt off his back. His ability to bring calmness to chaos, his text messages (with epic emojis) and calls, and his gentle, loving approach to life will be sorely missed.
Some of Dad’s favorite memories include post Delsea Football family gatherings at the Oberg’s house after a Big Red victory, summer vacations with his kids, the Raffs in Sea Isle City, NJ on 34th Street, attending his children’s weddings, and watching his children become parents. One of his proudest accomplishments was all of his brothers and sisters graduating college. As the oldest of the nine Rafferty children, he supported Jim and Cass’s mission to ensure all the kids went to college.
Although James “Raff” is no longer with us, he certainly left a lasting mark. Whether you knew him as Mr. Rafferty, Coach Raff, Councilman Rafferty, Uncle Jim, or Pop-Pop, he always had a positive approach to life and infectious personality. Jim had a unique way of making everyone feel “the best.”
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Gloucester City. Located at 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ, 08030. There will also be another viewing the following day on Monday, April 24th, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. also at St. Mary’s. Following mass burial will take place at New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr, NJ. Located at 515 W Browning Road, Bellmawr, NJ, 08031.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Adam Taliaferro Foundation. Jim loved kids and education. He would want his legacy to be in support of community impacting endeavors that give kids opportunities and resources for success. https://taliaferrofoundation.org
We also encourage you to visit A Father's Example: Decades of Love, Leadership, and Light for a tribute to Jim from his children written in 2017 when he retired. https://familyfellowshipandthefrenchfrystore.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/a-fathers-example-decades-of-love-leadership-and-light/
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