James W. Rafferty

James W. Rafferty, 74, of La Junta, passed away on Oct. 19, 2012 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta. 

He was born on Oct. 26, 1937 on a homestead between Manzanola and Fowler to Willard & Ruth (Walter) Rafferty.  Following high school James joined the United States Navy and served four years.  He worked with steel most of his life.

James is survived by his wife Kay of the La Junta family home; daughter, Monica (Chris) Johnson of La Junta and their children Sarah & Ryan; son, Don (Brenda) Rafferty of Castle Rock, CO and their daughter, Nicole; son, Ron (Greta) Rafferty of La Junta and their children, Kiel, Patrick, Samantha and Corbin; his special aunt, Melba Knowlton of Fowler; sister, Pat and her family of Denver; and a brother, Mike and his family of Santiago, Chile.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth & Willard Rafferty.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc. (www.americanheart.org) or to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital (www.stjude.org) direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Funeral services will be Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Dr. MJ Romano officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Peacock Memorial Chapel.