James Mccaffrey

James Edward McCaffrey, 62, died on April 11, 2021 in Grand Rapids. The fourth of twelve siblings, Jim was born on September 7, 1958 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He graduated from Fraser High School receiving his diploma - as did all of his siblings - from his dad, who served on the school board. A natural musician and versatile percussionist, Jim graduated from Michigan State, where he made lifelong friends in MSU's musical ensembles, especially the MSU Spartan Marching Band. He was an avid MSU Alumni Band member, often directing the band at MSU basketball and hockey games. His bands in Reese, Sturgis, and Haslett consistently achieved superior ratings. While in Sturgis, Jim coordinated overnight stays with five Big Ten marching bands. He directed plays and conducted pit orchestras at the school, community, and professional level. He played percussion in several bands and frequently played at his church, Westminster Prebyterian. Starting in high school, Jim became an MHSAA and AAU referee for softball, football, and volleyball. He loved officiating with his dad or brothers, and treasured the times he reffed his daughter's volleyball tournaments, including the National AAU Junior Volleyball Tournament. Jim's hobbies included golf, reading, home improvement projects, and traveling. He loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina where he spent many happy days with friends and family. In 1994, Jim achieved a lifelong goal to earn his private pilot's license. As a calm, competent pilot, he loved taking people up in the air. Jim was a member of the MSBOA, ASBDA, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, MSU Alumni Band, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Jim married fellow Spartan Marching Band member Susan on December 19, 1981 and they lived in Sturgis (later Haslett and Grand Rapids) where their home was the center of gatherings with their ever-growing extended family. Jim's happiest days, however, were those when his son, Max, and daughter, Megan, joined the family. Jim enthusiastically supported his kids' activities and was incredibly proud that both graduated from Michigan State. Jim was preceded in death by his dad, Gerald McCaffrey, mom, Judith (Gruber) McCaffrey, and his father-in-law, Bob Noetzold. He is survived by his wife Susan (Noetzold) McCaffrey, son Maxwell Robert McCaffrey, daughter Megan Mee So McCaffrey, mother-in-law Shirley Noetzold, and sister-in-law, Linda Kay. Jim will be greatly missed by his siblings Terese (Jeff) Zelenak, Timothy (Barbara) McCaffrey, Nancy (Mark) Golaszewski, Barbara (Thomas) Brege, Daniel (Mindy) McCaffrey, Judith (John) Farrell, Colleen (Jerome) Kunert, Kenneth (Rebecca) McCaffrey, Joseph (Beth) McCaffrey, Mary Anne McCaffrey, and Kevin (Lisa) McCaffrey. He is also survived by 25 nieces and nephews, 10 great-nieces and nephews, and many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was greeted by his beloved lab, Shaughnessy, at the Rainbow Bridge. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the MSU College of Music Scholarships and Fellowships at givingto.msu.edu/gift or the charity of your choice A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the MSU College of Music Scholarships and Fellowships at givingto.msu.edu/gift or the charity of your choice Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Mccaffrey, please visit our flower store.