James ‘Jim’ Rafferty, age 85, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of 54 years to Doreen (Higgins) Rafferty, entered into eternal rest Monday, January 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born September 14, 1933, in Longriggend, Scotland, son of the late James and Margaret Rafferty and immigrated to the U.S. in 1963.

A jack of all trades, Jim held jobs in many industries; Burndy Corporation, Perry Printing, and as everyone’s favorite bartender “Scotty” at the Germania Schwaben Singing Society in Bridgeport. After retiring, Jim found his calling as a courier for Collins Pharmacy where he delivered medication and happiness to homebound patients. A man of deep faith, Jim was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Trumbull, where he served as an usher for more than 20 years.

Jim was also a fourth degree knight with the Knights of Columbus. A proud Scotsman, Jim was president of the Round Hill Highland Games in the 1980s and could often be found sharing a pint and a song with friends at Ye Olde, in Stratford, CT, and the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield, CT, where he was a member. After his diagnosis of dementia, Jim found a second home at Grasmere on Park Day Program, where he was well cared for by an amazing staff for more than 10 years.

In addition to his wife, Jim will be greatly missed by his children: Patricia Rafferty of Boston; James (Suzanne) Rafferty of Seymour; Bernadette Rafferty of Black Rock; Edward (Corilyn) Rafferty of Shelton; and Bridget (Michael) Dial of Trumbull. His beloved grandchildren include Ayslinn, James, and Evelyn Rafferty; and Jack, Emma, Olivia, and Finnegan Dial. Survivors also include his sisters: Mary Gorman, of Stratford; and Nan (Ian) Gillespie of Green Valley, AZ; and sisters-in law Frances Freer of Shelton and Beatrice Higgins of Pompano Beach, FL. Jim was blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins near and far.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Robert and Henry, and brothers-in-law Peter Freer, Thomas Gorman and John and Michael Higgins.

Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. by meeting directly at in Saint Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford

Interment will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday, January 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford.

A special thank you to Jim’s beloved caregivers Bridgette Smith-Reddick, Alexis Myles, and the late Moureen McQuennie; as well as the compassionate nurses and staff of Constellation Health Service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 2911 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06518(www.alz.org).

For additional information or to leave a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.

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