WCBC

August 10th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

James Thomas Gaffney, 94, of Cumberland, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center. Born April 26, 1921, in Cumberland, Mr. Gaffney was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin Gaffney and Bertie Marie (Whitman) Gaffney.

He was the last remaining member of his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Lee (Wolford) Gaffney, in August 2011. Mr. Gaffney graduated from Allegany High School in 1940 and attended the University of Tennessee. He served as a pilot instructor in the United States Army Air Corps for three years during World War II leaving the Corps as a Captain. Jim played professional football for the Washington Redskins for several seasons during the mid-1940s. He was active in local football, baseball, and softball. He also coached LaSalle football and officiated local football for many years serving as President of the Potomac Valley Football Association for many years.

Jim worked in Allegany County for over 40 years, serving as store manager for B.F. Goodrich and Industrial Labor Relations manager for Celanese Trucking relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1980, where he and his wife lived until 2010 when they returned to Allegany County. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, LaVale. Jim was inducted into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame in the early 1990’s Jim is survived by son, J. Robert Gaffney and wife, Liana, Pittsburgh, Pa. and his daughter, Carol A. Gaffney, LaVale. He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Dr. Rachel A. Gaffney and husband, Willis Anderson, Conifer, Colo.; his grandson, Adam D. Gaffney and wife, Leigh-Anne, Lexington, S.C.; three great-grandchildren, Grayson T., Dylan J., and Ansleigh K. Gaffney, all of Lexington; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Betty G. Wolford; his nieces, Joyce Whitehead and Sandra Largent.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, (www.AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com) on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Chuck Erzkus officiating.

A private interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.