James was a native of Lake Charles and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vinton. He was a good husband, father and friend to many. James retired after 51 years working in the floor covering industry. He was an advid game fowl fancier.
Survivors include his wife, Aurea Gafford; sons Robert Joseph Gafford and his wife, Amy, of Ragley, and Clyde James Gafford and his wife, Daisy, of Kinder; sister Carolyn Ann Spell; grandchildren Alexis Irene Gafford, James Dylan Gafford, Megan Elizabeth Gafford and William Clyde Gafford; and his good friend Curtis St. Mary and his wife Beverly.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Frances Gafford, parents Winnie and James Gafford, Sr.; brothers Kenneth and Ralph Gafford; and daughter Carrie Lucille Gafford.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial. The Rev. Susil Fernando will officiate. Burial will be in Big Woods Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the funeral home.
