Obituary for James Rafferty
James A. (“Jim”) Rafferty, 68, passed suddenly on December 15, 2022. He was joyfully reunited in death with his parents Philip A. and Genevieve E. Rafferty. Beloved brother of Philip J. (Donita), Judith M.(the late Fred Meier), Dennis G. (Peggy), John F. (Cindy), Regina (“Genie”) (the late Ray Parenti) and Mary E. (Phillip) Czapar. Lifelong best friend of Steve (Joyce) Selker. Jim was an adored uncle to a multitude of nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, consisting of both his family and his vast family of friends - all of whom were cherished by him. We will remember him for his deep faith, his great love for his family and friends, his dedication to his community and his desire to help others.
He was a graduate of St. Patrick High School (Class of ‘72) and Loyola University and was a proud supporter of each institution. James enlisted in the Marines in 1973 and was discharged in 1976 as a Corporal. His dedication to the Marine Corps was lifelong as he continued his service to them through his Reserve service, volunteer work for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign, as well as representing the Marine Corps with K-Bar presentations at Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies. He was proud of his employment at Flying Tigers, FedEx and Salt Creek Golf Club. He stayed very busy and active after his retirement; in addition to being an avid golfer his many volunteer roles included the Marine Corps League, St. Patrick High School Alumni Association, volunteer coach with the Addison Trail High School girls golf team and as an usher and lector at Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola. He recently bravely started to work as a substitute teacher along with trying his hand at acting with the theater group the Parker Players. Jim was a lover of history especially military history and a great teller of stories. Jim particularly loved his role as Santa Claus which makes the timing of his passing bittersweet. He will be deeply missed by everyone that loved him and remembered fondly by everyone that knew him.
Visitation will be Thursday 12/22 from 3-8pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 1640 Greenmeadows Blvd (at Barrington Rd.) Streamwood/Schaumburg. Funeral Friday 12/23 9:45a.m. to Church of the Holy Spirit, Schaumburg. Mass 10:30a.m. Interment St. Michael the Archangel.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to: Marine Reserve Toys for Tots campaign at https://www.chicago-il.toysfortots.org/ or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry c/o Church of the Holy Spirit – 1451 Bode Road – Schaumburg, IL 60194. Info (630) 289-8054.
He was a graduate of St. Patrick High School (Class of ‘72) and Loyola University and was a proud supporter of each institution. James enlisted in the Marines in 1973 and was discharged in 1976 as a Corporal. His dedication to the Marine Corps was lifelong as he continued his service to them through his Reserve service, volunteer work for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign, as well as representing the Marine Corps with K-Bar presentations at Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies. He was proud of his employment at Flying Tigers, FedEx and Salt Creek Golf Club. He stayed very busy and active after his retirement; in addition to being an avid golfer his many volunteer roles included the Marine Corps League, St. Patrick High School Alumni Association, volunteer coach with the Addison Trail High School girls golf team and as an usher and lector at Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola. He recently bravely started to work as a substitute teacher along with trying his hand at acting with the theater group the Parker Players. Jim was a lover of history especially military history and a great teller of stories. Jim particularly loved his role as Santa Claus which makes the timing of his passing bittersweet. He will be deeply missed by everyone that loved him and remembered fondly by everyone that knew him.
Visitation will be Thursday 12/22 from 3-8pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 1640 Greenmeadows Blvd (at Barrington Rd.) Streamwood/Schaumburg. Funeral Friday 12/23 9:45a.m. to Church of the Holy Spirit, Schaumburg. Mass 10:30a.m. Interment St. Michael the Archangel.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to: Marine Reserve Toys for Tots campaign at https://www.chicago-il.toysfortots.org/ or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry c/o Church of the Holy Spirit – 1451 Bode Road – Schaumburg, IL 60194. Info (630) 289-8054.