Former Clark Fork, ID resident, James Albert “Jay” Raftery Jr., 82, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away at his home on Monday, January 27, 2014.

Jay was born in Cedar Rapids, Neb., on August 11, 1931, the son of James A. and Ruth Raftery. As a child he moved to Caldwell, ID attending school in Caldwell and Cascade, ID, and graduating from high school in Shoshoni, Wyo. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving in Korea and during the Vietnam era.

On May 21, 1953, Jay married Louise Hummitsh in Sandpoint, ID. Following retirement from the Navy he moved to Clark Fork. He completed Barber College in Spokane, Wash. and barbered in Clark Fork and for Vern’s Barber Shop in Sandpoint, ID. For a time he served as the Clark Fork City Clerk. He then became a purchasing agent for the U.S. Forest Service working in North Idaho and Montana. He later moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID continuing his work with the U.S. Forest Service.

For 12 years he was a “snowbird,” spending winters in Yuma, Ariz., where he enjoyed golf and walking. Jay was a long time, loyal, member of the VFW.

Jay is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise, in Coeur d’Alene, ID; three children: Teresa in Clark Fork, ID; Nancy in Dover, ID; and Jim in Clark Fork, ID; and a sister, Mary Ann Higgins, Boise, ID. Also surviving are four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Glenda; and a grandson, Michael Malley.

Memorial services will be scheduled later. Family and friends are invited to sign Jay’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.