Obituary of James Gaffney

James Gaffney, a distinguished American academic and author, has died at the age of 94. He was Professor Emeritus of Ethics at Loyola University New Orleans and a prolific writer known for his contributions to moral philosophy and his deep knowledge world religions. Gaffney’s career spanned six decades as an educator, during which he served as a Jesuit, a Peace Corps volunteer, a university professor, and a noted lecturer. 
 
Born in 1931 in the Bronx, New York City, Gaffney joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in his youth. He pursued an extensive education in philosophy and theology, earning a Master’s from Fordham University and a Doctor of Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1968. In the early 1970s, he volunteered with the Peace Corps to teach at the University of Liberia, West Africa, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and cross-cultural education. 
 
After returning to the United States, Gaffney embarked on a long academic career. He taught at institutions across the country – including a teaching post in Florence, Italy, with Gonzaga University and a department chair position at Illinois Benedictine College – before joining Loyola University New Orleans in 1976. At Loyola, he became a professor of ethics and chaired the Department of Religious Studies for many years. He was a beloved figure on campus known for his engaging lectures, and was eventually honored as Professor Emeritus. Gaffney taught as a visiting professor at Notre Dame University, St Michael's College in Vermont, the University of Alaska Anchorage, and Iowa State University. In his later years, Gaffney also served as a visiting professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, after losing his home and belongings to Hurricane Katrina, extending his teaching vocation well into his seventies. 
 
Gaffney made significant contributions to philosophy and religious studies through his scholarly work. He authored and edited numerous books on ethics, theology, and morality, including Moral Questions (1974), Sin Reconsidered (1983), and Matters of Faith and Morals (1987). His published articles number over 100. He remained active in academic circles outside the classroom as well, serving on the boards of professional organizations such as the Society of Christian Ethics and the College Theology Society. Colleagues and students remembered him as a rigorous thinker who brought clarity and compassion to discussions of faith and morals. 
 
In addition to his academic pursuits, Gaffney was a linguaphile and travelled to all continents, visiting countless countries throughout his lifetime. Travel, learning about other cultures, and engaging with global political and historical contexts were his passions. Gaffney’s dual legacy as both a scholar and as a wanderlust bridged the gap between academia and adventure. 
 
James Gaffney’s life was defined by a dedication to ethics, education, and community. He will be remembered for the breadth of his interests – from guiding students in matters of morality to world travel – and for the generous spirit he brought to each endeavor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen McGovern Gaffney, and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret. His family, friends, colleagues, and former students mourn the loss of a man who embodied lifelong learning and service.