James M. Lafferty, KHS 1942

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James M. Lafferty
April 18, 1925 ~ March 18, 2016 (age 90) 90 Years Old

James M. Lafferty, 90, of West Chester, PA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 18, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

He was married to the late Kathleen Morris Lafferty, the love of his life, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Kaolin, PA, he was the son of the late Lewis J. Lafferty and Mary Kelly Lafferty.

Jim was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church in West Chester for over 65 years.

He attended St. Patrick’s School and Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA, graduating in 1942. He attained his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University in 1945.

A star pitcher at Kennett High School, Jim was offered a contract to pitch for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942. Instead, he made the decision to attend Villanova where he enjoyed success as Captain of the Baseball team.

While attending Villanova, he was part of the U.S. Navy V-12 Program. Post graduation, he completed Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University, then served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He also received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Pennsylvania, and was a registered Professional Engineer in PA and NY. Jim and Kathleen settled in West Chester, and after a successful career as an engineer, retired from Roy F. Weston, Inc.

During his time in West Chester, Jim was President of The Holy Name Society of St. Agnes and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Continuing his love for baseball, Jim was President of East Side Little League and coached for many years.

He is survived by his children, Kathleen M. Lafferty of Kannapolis, NC, Joseph F. Lafferty (Linda) of Glen Mills, Robert L. Lafferty (Elizabeth) of Elverson, Richard J. Lafferty (Margery) of Allentown, Nancy L. Heckman (Richard) of Birdsboro, Carol L. Blair (James) of West Chester, Thomas E. Lafferty, M.D.(Cynthia) of Ocala, FL; 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sharon Browning of Philadelphia who was the wife of James' oldest child, the late James M. Lafferty and sister, Mary Lafferty Jackson of Orlando, FL.

He was predeceased by his son James M. Lafferty, brothers, Lewis and William, and sister Margaret Lafferty McConnell.

One of Jim’s greatest joys was travelling with Kathleen. They loved to attend Villanova football games across the USA. Above all, Jim was a gracious and generous man, who was wholly devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, joyfully attending numerous plays, concerts, sporting events, recitals, and many other school and family events . The pride he exhibited for his family could not be measured. It was real, and it was deeply felt by all of them. Whenever one of his loved ones entered the room, he gave them a smile that would light up any room. He was a provider of unconditional love and support. His energy, his warmth, his love for life, family and friends, will never be forgotten by those that were blessed to know him.

Relatives and Friends are invited to his Visitation from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith and Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

Funeral Mass Monday, March 21, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA, 19380.

Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James’ name to St. Agnes Day Room, 233 West Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380