James R. McLafferty

AUBURN — James Robert McLafferty (aka Jamie, Jim and Jimmy) passed away Tuesday, June 19, at Odd Fellows Home in Auburn, after a long illness.

He was born Jan. 27, 1938, to Joseph and Lurlene (Ross) McLafferty of Rangeley. As a child, he was described as rambunctious, upbeat and “always on the run.” He graduated from Rangeley High School in 1955, where he played varsity basketball and was one of nine classmates. He then went to the University of Maine to get his bachelor’s degree and, after two years, entered the U.S. Navy, where he became a weatherman on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid.

James often talked about how the Navy gave him direction in life. After his discharge, he re-enrolled at the University of Maine, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

He began his career as an accountant for Ernest and Sherman Shapiro in Lewiston, and then as the controller for Eastland Shoe Co. in Freeport, retiring after 20 years.

James was a Mason and belonged to the Tranquil Lodge #29 in Auburn. He was a loving and dedicated father, proud grandparent, avid outdoorsman, carpenter and hobbyist. He loved skiing, fishing, hunting, trap shooting, fly tying, model building and furniture making.

In 1988, he met the true love of his life, Diane. They soon married and together had an amazing journey of companionship, love and happiness.

Besides his loving wife of 30 years, he leaves behind his son, Robert (Erica), of Springfield, Ill., and grandchildren Bryant and Lesley; daughter, Sue Croteau, of Auburn; granddaughter, Dominique; and sisters Brenda Manchester of Mechanic Falls and Susan Coombs of Durham, N.H. He also leaves behind Diane’s children: Jennifer (Tom) Gubbins of South Pomfret, Vt., and their children: Andrew, Lily and Hannah; Stephan (Katy) Hatch of Lexington, Mass., and their children: Ethan, Eve and Sam; and Matthew (Terri) Hatch of Olathe, Kansas, and their children: Camdyn and Finn, who all also loved and knew him as Papa Jimmy.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joey.

James touched the lives of many, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. The family would like to thank Odd Fellows Home for its excellent and loving care.

Online condolences can be shared at www.advantageportland.com.