JAMES EDWARD LOFY
March 28, 1932 - December 21, 2020
James "Jimmy" Edward Lofy was born on March 28, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois to Peter John and Mary Frances (Graeff) Lofy. The family moved from Illinois to Southern California, when Jim was only eight months old, and lived in Santa Barbara, South Gate, Huntington Park, and Lynwood.
Upon graduation from Compton High School, Jim worked briefly on the production line for Ford Motor Company. He then joined the U.S. Army and served for two years (1952-1954) achieving the rank of Corporal. Although he did not serve during war time, he was always proud of his military service.
Shortly after leaving the armed services, Jim met his future wife and lifelong companion, Marguerite "Maggie" Lacrosse, at a Catholic Youth Organization dance held on New Year's Eve 1954. The couple began dating a few months later, and were married on August 11, 1956. They were a devoted couple and were married for over 55 years.
After serving in the Army, Jim managed the automotive department at Sears in Compton. Soon after, he and Maggie Marguerite purchased a Western Auto franchise in Compton. They closed their store in 1965, due to the poor economic conditions of the time. He was offered a position managing the automotive department for Kmart in Lakewood. Jim's success in the management of the automotive department led to his moving to various locations throughout California, to assist with reorganizing the satellite stores. Eventually his employment with Kmart brought him them to Bakersfield in 1969, where they decided to raise their soon-to-be family of eight children. He was well-known for his work at Kmart and enjoyed his time there into the early 80's. In his later years of employment, he switched to worked in sales for various businesses. Although, his favorite was a stint with a courier service where he delivered packages and letters. He loved socializing with all of the customers.
The entire Lofy family attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. They were very committed and became prominent members of the parish. Jim was an active member of the Knights of Columbus during his attendance at OLPH. Jim was also a member of Sons in Retirement (SIR) and a devoted volunteer at Houchin Blood Bank for many years. Jim was always known as a kind and generous man by all who knew and loved him, and by those who met him along the way. He often went out of his way to help others.
He worked for K-Mart for many years and enjoyed his time with them. But, in the his later years he switched to working in sales in various businesses. Although, his favorite was a stint with a courier service where he delivered packages and letters. He loved socializing with all the customers.
After Maggie's passing in 2012, Jim moved into Carriage House, an independent living facility (currently Solstice), where he enjoyed a very active senior life, becoming a social butterfly. He made many friends and was involved in group activities at the facility. He participated in Senior Olympics, Bean Bag Baseball tournaments, casino trips, and served as a Resident Ambassador, Bartender, and Bingo Specialist to name a few. He also earnestly joined in afternoon and evening activities with his group of friends, playing cards, Mexican Train Dominoes, and other games. If he was not in the dining room, he was upstairs playing games.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Mary Lofy, his wife of 55 years, Maggie Lofy, and his granddaughter, Tawney Lofy. He is survived by his brother, Peter John Lofy, Jr and sister, Dr. Mary Frances Rodrick; . his eight children and their spouses: Patricia and Walter Gaddis, Stephen and Julie Lofy, Daniel and Teresa Lofy, Fred and Julia Lofy, Gregory and Paula Lofy, Diane Greer, David Lofy, and Michelle and Joseph Clark. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved grandchildren: Daniel, William, Travis, David, Robert, Anthony, Jessica, Lauren, Jemma, Brent, Deanna, Sable, Joey, Lexus, Shelby, Koren, Patrick, Cameron, Brett, Emily, and Samuel; and his great-grandchildren: Nathan, Davian, Owen, Abigail, Reed, Lily, Matthew, Tristan, Amelia, Adam, Savannah, Jaxon, Sadie, Lilianna, Allison, Caidyn, Hailey, Beatrix, and Francisco.
The James Lofy Family would like to thank all of the medical staff, caregivers, and facility staff that provided assistance for our father over the years.
A Viewing will be held outdoors on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 8:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., presided over by Monsignor Michael Braun. A Mass, graveside services, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather together safely.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you consider making a donation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or the American Heart Association, in honor of James Lofy.