James "Jimmy" Edward McCaffrey Jr.

James Edward McCaffrey, Jr., a resident of Tavares, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and his long-time significant other, Megan Thomas. He was 85 years old.

James, lovingly known as Jimmy, was born on March 4, 1941, in Kansas City, Kansas, to James E. McCaffrey and Esther Farley McCaffrey. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and went on to build a life and career as a master carpenter.

Jimmy lived life with a free spirit and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He found joy in hiking, boating, fishing, canoeing, riding motorcycles and jet skis, spending time at the beach, and tending to his garden. He was also an avid music lover and a former ballroom dancer. One of his proudest honors was riding with the Patriot Guard Riders, reflecting his strong sense of patriotism and respect for fellow service members.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward McCaffrey; his mother, Esther Farley McCaffrey; and his son, James Combee.

Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love through his family. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Jerry) Smith of Winter Haven, Florida; his son, Michael (Rachel) McCaffrey of Tomball, Texas; his step-son, Trey Thomas of White Bluff, Tennessee; his step-daughter, Brittany (Jason) Taylor of Williston, Florida; and his former daughter-in-law, Betti Kelley of Winter Haven, Florida.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tauni (Eric) Wawrzyk, Taylor Combee & Sean Raymond, Brittney Pearn, Garrett (Brittiny) Pearn, Lacey (Joshua) Mitchell, Michael (Lindsey) Aguilar, Joshua (Berenice) Sanchez, Kaitlyn (Oscar) Guzman, Erin Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Lilly Taylor, and Jesse Taylor; as well as 17 great-grandchildren.

Jimmy will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of family, and the many lives he touched along the way. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Jimmy's life will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 2 p.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven, Florida