James Thomas Gaffney, 75 of Lilburn, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at his home in Lilburn, GA. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 12th at 11:30a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery.

Mr. Gaffney was born on August 21, 1947, in Gaffney, SC and grew up in Acworth, GA. "Tommy" attended Dallas High School lettering in basketball and football. In the fall of 1964, he set a single game school record for total tackles with seventeen against North Cobb. He graduated in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After being assigned to Clinton-Sherman Air Base in Oklahoma, he volunteered to serve a tour in Vietnam. At the conclusion of his military service in 1971, he served as a police officer for thirty-five years in the City of Atlanta, Dekalb County, and the City of Auburn. He earned numerous accolades and marks of excellence for his service.

Mr. Gaffney is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patsy Gaffney of Lilburn, GA and their three children: Ginger Morgan of Canton, GA (Scott), Scott Gaffney of Buford, GA (Regina), Kathryn Clark (Kyle) of Suwanee, GA. He leaves a legacy of their nine grandchildren: Makay (24), Kensley (22), Avery (17), Noah (12), Lucas (8), Grace (6), Aubrey (9), Ethan (5), and Aaron (4).

He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by his family as Honey, Dad, and Paw Paw.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tunnels to Towers at: https://t2t.org/ , an organization for which Mr. Gaffney was a regular contributor.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gaffney family.