John Wilfred Gaffney

John Wilfred Gaffney, age 85 of Port St. Joe, Florida, better known to his family and friends as Jack, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Born on September 8, 1941, Jack grew up and spent most of his adult life in Ohio, carrying with him throughout the years a deep love of country, faith, learning, and service. He was a man of keen intellect who wanted to share his knowledge with everyone, and that generous spirit shaped the course of his life in meaningful and lasting ways.

Jack served in the United States Marine Corps for fourteen years, including three tours in the Vietnam War. After serving his country, he was employed by Bell Helicopter, where he spent two years in Iran teaching avionics. His commitment to education and leadership continued throughout his professional life. After earning an associate degree from Glendale Community College, Glendale, Arizona he graduated from Arizona State University with an MBA. Jack began a long time affiliation with Hiram College, Hiram Ohio, as associate professor of Business Management. He later transitioned to the United States Air Force School of Civil Engineering at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio as Professor of Management, a role that took him to U.S. Air Force bases around the world. Even while carrying those responsibilities, he returned to teach at Hiram College’s Weekend College for fifteen years where he received many awards for his diligence and dedication.

He was proud to be an American, and he loved the Lord dearly. Of the Christian faith, Jack found a church home at St. James Episcopal Church after moving to Port St. Joe. He had been a part-time resident of Port St. Joe since 1990, and in 2013 he and his wife became full-time residents after coming from Yellow Springs, Ohio. Whether at home or abroad, in uniform or in the classroom, he lived with purpose and conviction.

Jack also embraced the pleasures of a thoughtful and engaged life. He was a stamp collector and a longtime member of the American Philatelic Society. He was an avid bridge player, a devoted reader, a history buff. He also enjoyed traveling for pleasure, bringing the same curiosity to the world that he brought to books, conversation, and teaching.

He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Melina Elum of Port St. Joe,

Florida; son, Sean Gaffney of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Melissa Hardesty (John), of Massillon, Ohio; sister, Barbara Wilson of Twinsburg, Ohio, grandchildren Kyrstin Crossen (Anthony), Jonathan Hardesty (Sean) John, Mark, and Christopher Gaffney, two great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. In the lives of those who knew and loved him, he leaves the enduring memory of a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, veteran, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred Gaffney, and his mother, Ann Gaffney.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 21, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time at St. James Episcopal Church, 800 22nd St, Port St. Joe. Visitation will be one hour before the service from 10:00-11:00 at St. James. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Cemetery with military honors.