James Francis Coffey

James Coffey of Arlington, VA passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. He was 80 years old. The son of Thomas Coffey and Helen Coffey, Jim was born on February 13, 1933, in Hartford, CT. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Coffey of West Hartford, CT.

Jim graduated from St. Joseph’s, in Hartford, part of the cathedral parish he loved so dearly, before beginning a career as a newspaper pressman.

On May 4, 1957, Jim married Anita Marie Sansone, of Simsbury, CT. In 1965, his career brought him to Washington DC where he continued his work in the newspaper industry. Newspapers and current events continued to be a lifelong interest.

Jim was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was very knowledgeable about Irish history, poetry and music. His home was always filled with the sound of traditional Irish music, and the famed tenor John McCormack was a favorite. An avid reader, Jim had a particular interest in the history of World War II.

A devoted husband and father, Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anita. He is also survived by his 4 children: James, Jr., (Elizabeth) of Fairfax, VA; Daniel, of Charlotte, NC; Joanne Hannafin (Nemo), of Fairfax, VA; Michael (Catherine) of Fredericksburg, VA; and 8 grandchildren: Daniel Coffey, Jr., David Coffey, Kathleen Coffey, John Coffey, Anna Coffey, Ryan Hannafin, Claire Hannafin and Lauren Hannafin. Jim was always eager to help out his children in any way and had a special bond with his grandchildren,

Friends may call upon the family on Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 2 PM to 5 PM, at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013, at 11 AM, at St Agnes Catholic Church, 1910 North Randolph St. Arlington, VA. Interment will be at Columbia Gardens Cemetery.

In honor of Jim’s granddaughter Claire Hannafin, who suffers from Rett Syndrome, in lieu of flowers it was Jim’s wish that memorial contributions be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation at www.rettsyndrome.org or mailed to 4600 Devitt Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45246.