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James McCaffrey Obituary

James E. "Jeff" McCaffrey III Passed away Friday, August 2, 2013, his 59th birthday, at Stanford Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Born in Sacramento, he lived in various states prior to the family settling in Petaluma when he was 12 years of age. He attended St. Vincent Elementary School and graduated from St. Vincent High School, Class of 1972, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He later went on to study at Santa Rosa Junior College and the University of Oregon, which led to his 35 year career as a writer. He worked in Oregon for 8 years, Idaho for 5 years and then in Philadelphia for 22 years before returning to Petaluma in 2008. While in Philadelphia, he was associated with the Main Line Life newspaper, and most currently was employed as a writer for Green Sheet in Santa Rosa. He was diagnosed with MDS in April 2012. Jeff loved music, attending concerts, and had a great devotion to his many friends. He is the loving son of Mary and James McCaffrey of Petaluma, dear brother of Christopher McCaffrey and his wife, Maria. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael McCaffrey and sister, Kimberly Nelson. He was the uncle of Laura McCaffrey, Joan McCaffrey, Christopher McCaffrey, Ryan McCaffrey, Meghan McCaffrey, James Nelson and Kevin Nelson. He was the brother-in-law of Patricia McCaffrey and Thomas Nelson. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, August 9, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 3:00pm with the Memorial Service to commence at 3:00 pm, at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. The family prefer memorials be made to the MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 or to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Main Line Media News from Aug. 5 to Aug. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James McCaffrey

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Kate Scrivener

August 6, 2021

Jim McCaffrey's influence always made me aspire to be a better person: more discerning, more courageous, more truthful to others -- and to myself. I miss him. And yet he still influences me. What a guy!!!! Unforgettable.

Sharon Murphy

August 24, 2013

Oh how my heart breaks for such a lovely family! My thoughts and prayers are with you. There are no words to console and yet I wish that I could! I can only say that God carries him in HIS hands. I am praying with you.
In the Love of Christ

August 13, 2013

No one, NO ONE, could liven the printed page - or the newsroom itself, like Big Jim. A great man to hoist one with. Bigger than life and had a sensitive soul to match. Wind at your back, Jimmy.

Charles Reilly, Jr.
Palm Beach Shores, FL

DawnMarie Yates

August 8, 2013

Dear Mary
Anna sent an email to us this morning telling of Big Jim's passing. I am saddened to hear of your loss. I know that he had many, many loyal and loving friends as well as you and his family supporting him as he met this terrible challenge. May his rest be peaceful and your memories of the years you had together be many and beautiful.
Your Mother's Day friend,
Dawn Marie Yates

August 6, 2013

Mr. & Mrs. McCaffrey:
Words alone cannot express our deepest sorrow at Jeff”s death. We only use this guest book because we leave for W.V. on Thursday and will be unable to attend his memorial service. Our thoughts & prayers go to you both, Bill & Cathy Silva

Deb Schumacher

August 6, 2013

I worked with Jim at the newspaper during his stint in Idaho. He was well loved in our tiny town. We remained fast friends for the last 30 years. I will miss his sense of humor(he loved picking on me and making me mad; his encouragement to keep making art; his honesty. We never made it to Greece. My sincere sympathy to Jim's parents and extended family. He was much loved.

August 6, 2013

Dear Mary & Jim,
My heart goes out to both of you and your family. You have suffered so much, it just does not seem fair.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Sincerely, Jan Rodd

August 6, 2013

To Mr. and Mrs. Mccaffrey I send my best strength. I do remember, many years ago, meeting Jeff at your home. In fact, I do believe he was reading my "cards" at your table prior to my marriage. Much like his parents, he had that same calm personality and kindness. My thoughts are with you, Kathleen Leoni

Kate Scrivener

August 5, 2013

My heart goes out to you all, especially to Jim's parents who have suffered so many losses recently. I met him in Portland, Oregon, where we passed many happy hours in lovely friendship. What a wonderful man! My favorite memories are of visiting the apartment of his elderly Aunt Flora, with whom Jim and I loved to watch classic movies. As we left, she always kissed him on the cheek and called him "Jeff" and he smiled with gentle love for her. He was a friend for the ages. I will carry him in my heart forever.

Katie Talbott

August 5, 2013

XOXO, love you cousin

Pat Griffin

August 5, 2013

Mac was a loyal friend, a free spirit, a generous soul with an outlandish sense of humor and an appreciation of everything from the sublime to the absurd. Music, sports, friends, Jeff rocked. A writer. Courageous. He took the inevitable razz as the new kid in school but quickly rose above it. He not only turned the tables he had us wondering; "Who is this guy?" To his family, his wonderful parents: Peace be with you.
Love you, man.

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Memorial Events
for James McCaffrey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory - Petaluma

850 Keokuk Street FD12 CR91, Petaluma, CA 94952

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