James McCaffrey March 5, 1946 - September 11, 2025

James Wayne McCaffrey was born in March of 1946 in small town in Manitoba. He was raised in Winnipeg’s storied North end with 7 siblings. Often finding himself as the eldest protector and provider for his large family set the roots for his moral compass.

He spent his summers with his Ontario family in his favourite place on earth, Dryden, ON. Learning to swim in the shallow waters across the river from the Dryden Paper Mill.

After spending time working for CN Rail, owning an ice cream stand in a Manitoba village, and some time at bush camps in Northern Ontario, he finally landed in that mill town working in the woodlands in Dryden. Taking his family after a few moves, residing from 1982 until his passing where he always wanted to be. All along, by his side, his companion and wife of 59 years and 4 months, Louise, his cherished best friend. Together they had three children, his first son Patrick who died an infant. He is survived by his two children Michael (Iris) and Allen. As well as two grandchildren Colin and Connor.

Although he wasn’t much of an athlete himself, he spent many hours volunteering for the Dryden Minor Hockey system. He watched, participated and gave back to his community in his own way. To say he was a hard worker would be the ultimate understatement. He worked hard and provided for his family through very difficult and challenging economic times, always focused on family first and himself unselfishly last.

Into his retirement from the Mill, he enjoyed spending his time donating to various casinos from Vegas to South Beach Manitoba, with his father and mother-in-law Barry and Vera Sallee, and his best friends Garry and Adele Henry. Jim’s impact on people’s lives was usually one of few words with meaningful effects. In truth, a wise man if ever there was one. His happiest of times were through travel to various ports in the world, or simply gathering with friends playing cards, sharing laughs always ready with a deep heart felt roar.

Jim was predeceased by his father Basil, mother Gertrude, brother Jerry, sisters-in-law MG and Anita (Ron), and brother-in-law Nick (Marion). Along with his surviving brothers and sisters Ken (Patty), Judy, Marion, Tim, Debbie and Ron. Close in-law family of Fred (Debbie), Danny (Irene), and Bruce (Chris), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As his life came to a close, his battles with health were always met with a determined and realistic approach towards preparation. He always wanted to ensure his wife was going to be okay, something achieved and to be proud of. Never short on amounts of “I love you” for his cherished Louise, where most conversations ended with “have fun!”.  His family and his best friends surrounded him in the moment of his passing. We certainly hope that we were able to project as much love onto him as he always did with us. Say your own private words to Jim that he may hear you in heaven as he spends his time catching up with family and friends that have gone before him.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will follow.