Jim Lafferty: Feb. 6, 1930 -- July 5, 2008

Jim Lafferty, 78, of Lomita, California, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, California. He died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, of which he was diagnosed in 1995.

Born James Joseph Lafferty on February 6, 1930 to Joseph and Anne Lafferty in Glasgow, Scotland, Jim was an excellent soccer player. In November 1951, he was signed to The Celtic Football Club (commonly known as Glasgow Celtic); he played center forward. While his career with Celtic lasted just two years, he managed to make his mark with the team by scoring four goals in seven first-team appearances. His biggest achievement with the team included scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over St. Mirren at Parkhead.

In 1954, Jim decided to make the move from Scotland to the United States. Initially, he made his home in Philadelphia, but ultimately southern California was where he decided to settle permanently. His soccer career continued with the American Soccer League; he played on a variety of teams until he retired from soccer at the age of 40.

While living in California’s South Bay, Jim met Cecilia Margaret “Peggy” Roche, whom he married on April 4, 1970. Jim and Peggy had four children: Cynthia, Christina, James and Joseph. They purchased their first house on Pennsylvania Avenue in Lomita, but they made their home on Doria Avenue where they raised their four children. Jim and Peggy were active members of their parish, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, throughout their marriage, and Jim attended weekly mass until he was admitted into the hospital in June 2008.

Jim retired from Honeywell (formerly Garrett Air Research) after 18 years of service as a supply manager. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling all over the United States with Peggy. In addition, he enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren and loved to play golf.

Anyone who knew Jim Lafferty knows that he was a prolific story-teller who always had the time to tell you a story about his glory days of soccer, his two-year stint in the British Army and life in the South Bay during the 50s and 60s. Jim loved his family, and all of his stories reflected this. He always had a twinkle in his eye when he told tales about his family, especially of his father, Joseph, whom he fondly referred to as “Fayther.”

Jim is survived by his four children, as well as Jimmy’s wife, Josephine; four grandchildren, Johnny, Katie, Jamie and James (and baby Liam to be born in August 2008); and his sister, Anne Robertson. He is further survived by his nephews, Douglas, Mathew, Chuck, Dennis and Jamie; and his nieces, Donna, Mary and Liz. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy, who made her journey to heaven on June 8, 2003; his sisters, Betty Dillion and Mae Rowley; his niece, Cindy Logan; and his grand-nephew, Christopher James Rowley, who passed in April 2008.

Services

A viewing will be held at Little Sisters of the Poor on Thursday, July 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. The Rosary will be lead by Sister Genevieve.

Little Sisters of the Poor is located at

2100 South Western Avenue

San Pedro, 90732

The funeral mass will be celebrated at Little Sisters of the Poor on Friday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. Burial services will immediately follow mass at All Souls Cemetery, which is located at

4400 Cherry Avenue

Long Beach, 90807

A reception will follow the interment at Little Sisters of the Poor. Father Mike Meyer will officiate the mass and interment. Funeral arrangements are being managed by All Souls Mortuary, Long Beach. Should you need any additional information, please contact Susan Robinson at 562-424-8601.

Memorial

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor:

The Little Sisters of the Poor

Jeanne Jugan Residence

2100 S. Western Avenue

San Pedro, CA 90732

A donation form is available online.