James Michael Gaffney Sr.'s Obituary
James Michael Gaffney, Sr., 98, of North Olmsted, peacefully passed away surrounded by family February 18, 2026. Born October 27, 1927 in Cleveland, “Red” was raised in North Royalton. After graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in early ‘46 and served in the Panama Canal Zone. He was a talented basketball player in high school, the military, and at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, from where he earned a bachelor’s in business. After a 40-year career in sales and purchasing with Cleveland Builders Supply Co., he retired in 1991. Mr. Gaffney was an avid reader who enjoyed swimming, playing bridge and classical music. He traveled extensively with wife Dorothy, visiting Paris, London, Rome, Russia, Jekyll Island, gardens of the south, and adventuring a train trip throughout the West and a cruise of the Caribbean.
James is survived by his children Robin Frank, James Michael Jr., Timothy and Terence (Heather) Gaffney; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy (née Nowak); parents Lois (née Bratton) and William Gaffney; son-in-law Tony Frank; sisters Patricia, Noreen and Kathleen.
Private graveside inurnment will take place on February 27, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Westlake. The family will host a celebration of life in June.
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