James Raftery

James Raftery January 12, 1933 - April 6, 2012

James John Raftery was born January 12, 1933 to Tom and Beatrice Raftery, the fourth of five children. He attended Catholic schools in his native Chicago, worked for the railroad after high school graduation until he was drafted in the U.S. Army, then served in the Korean Conflict. Following his military service Jim returned to Chicago, attended DePaul University, graduated in three years and then began his teaching career. After a year in elementary teaching he went on to teach at Brother Rice High School on Chicago''s South side from 1959 to 1963. He returned to DePaul and earned his Master of Arts degree before moving on to St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. where he taught English literature. He married his wife, Patricia Robertshaw of Faribault, MN in 1965 after meeting on a blind date during her Senior year at Rosary College in River Forest, IL, then moved to Winona, MN where Jim taught at St. Mary''s College. They then returned to Chicago where Jim tenured at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School. After his wife''s medical studies in Chicago and residency in New Orleans they settled in Sparta, WI where Pat practiced medicine and Jim taught briefly in LaCrosse, WI until health problems ended his teaching career. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister Dolores; brothers Fr. Tom Raftery and Robert; nephew Tom Mackiney; and by a grand nephew and two grand nieces. He is survived by his wife Pat; his brother Michael (Virginia Wall); and several nieces and nephews. Jim was a superb teacher. The University of Chicago traditionally sent letters of commendation to the teacher named by each member of the entering Freshman class that most inspired them. Jim had a stack of these. But it was his love of literature that enabled the teaching. And two generations of students will attest to the great works of literature rendered by "Mr. Raftery" in dialogues that were vigorous, pungent and profound. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to services. Memorials may be directed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in memory of Jim. Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault