James Gaffney Jr. Enjoyed Motorcycling with Friends

James Allen Gaffney Jr., known as B among friends and family, died Thursday, Dec. 22. He was 31 years old.

B loved all that he did, and his life is a celebration of the bonds of friendship and a passion for living.

He was born in Waterville, Me., on May 23, 1974, the son of Jim (James) Gaffney Sr. of Weymouth and Ellie (Elvira) Jeannette Cook of Kennebunkport, Me. His entry into the world was marked by a uniqueness that would become the trademark of his life. As Jim likes to recount with pride: "There was a snowstorm that day!"

He moved to Martha's Vineyard in 1976, and the Island became his true home for the next 26 years.

Growing up, going through the Vineyard school system and living his life, B found friends everywhere. Many of these friendships are more than 20 years old, as not even his death has stopped those whom he cared about from including his memory and spirit in their lives.

B excelled at everything he did. He truly enjoyed working for Don Gregory at Sun-n-Fun in Oak Bluffs, being part of the Island Transport Company and working for Scott Dario, leaving his mark on the hearts and souls of the R.M. Packer Company, and imparting a bit of himself with those at Up-Island Automotive. He worked hard, always had a smile and took pride in everything he did. His wit and intelligence had no boundaries.

His private time was far from alone time. Friends and family and events marked every activity.

In his teens, B discovered the joy and freedom that came with motorcycling. This in turn became a lifelong passion. Sunshine -- regardless of the season -- meant he would be seen with his helmet crooked underneath his arm, a pair of sunglasses on his head and answering the call to ride the Vineyard's roads. His father, Jim, had his own name for the group of motorcycles he would pass on the road, riding together in tandem: B and the Marauders. The Marauders included -- but were not limited to -– Frank Flanders, David Enright and Joseph Canha. June meant bike week for the Marauders; every year they made the pilgrimage to Laconia, N.H.

March 1999 was an important milestone; B was inducted into the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. He was very proud to be part of such a distinguished brotherhood. Gaining the title of master mason, the same as his father, continued the Gaffney family legacy.

B is survived by his father, Jim (James) Alan Gaffney Sr.; his sister, Nancy Jeannette Gaffney; an extended family including Nancy Lucille Cox of Vineyard Haven, Frank Flanders, David Enright and his sister, Amy, and Joseph Canha as well as everyone else who knew and loved him.

A visitation was held at Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 26, officiated by the Rev. Thomas Roan. A Masonic service was performed on Tuesday, Dec. 27, followed by a gathering to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven.

Donations can be made to the family.

Visit www.ccgfuenralhome.com for online guest book and information.