Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/27/2011 06:22 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/27/2011 08:29 PM
Expires: 01/01/2016 12:00 AM
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In Loving Memory of James Orr Taaffe, Descendant of Founding Family of Murphys
James Orr Taaffe died of cancer July 25 surrounded by family at his Angel’s Camp home. The 73-year-old was a fourth-generation Californian and the great-great-grandson of Martin Murphy Jr., whose brothers, John and Daniel, founded the town of Murphys during the gold rush. While his ancestors may have discovered their life’s fortune in the gold fields, Mr. Taaffe considered family and friends his lucky strike. Kind hearted, gentle natured and with a strong appreciation of humor, Mr. Taaffe seemed to effortlessly attract a diverse group of friends and admirers throughout his life-- something that never went unappreciated....
Even during his final days when eating became too painful, Mr. Taaffe maintained his smile and said he considered himself blessed. When asked why? He responded, “I have so many people who care about me.”
Born May 29, 1938, Mr. Taaffe was the youngest son of Martin and Elsie (Orr) Taaffe. His childhood dream was to drive tractors like his father, who operated a paving and grading company on the family ranch in Los Altos Hills. With his sister and brother, Mr. Taaffe eventually took over the family business and founded M.J. Taaffe Company. He worked in paving and grading for 45 years before retiring in 2000 and moving to Angel’s Camp six years later.
His ancestors, the Murphy family, had strong roots to the area. They were part of the first wagon train to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1844, opening the California Trail to thousands of others. The Murphys became an influential part of California history. Mr. Taaffe was proud, but modest, of his heritage.
He wasted no time getting to know the community. He and his wife helped make and hang holiday boughs in Angels Camp during Christmas season. He became a member of the Bret Harte Quarterback Club and joined the Murphys parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
In 2006, when the community asked him to be grand marshal of the Murphys Irish Days parade, Mr. Taaffe was so surprised and honored, he told a local newspaper reporter that he felt like he had just won a gold medal.
Mr. Taaffe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deanna; daughters and sons-in-law, Candice and Chris Blair, Natalie and Mark Feathers and Linda Taaffe and Kevin Legnon; grandchildren Erika, Erin, Tyler, Ryan and Devin; sister, Arline Reed; and a wide circle of friends who he considered family. He was predeceased by his dogs Shorty and Hobo.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 at Vallecito Union Church, 3780 Church St., Vallecito.
Donations can be made be made to Hospice of the Sierra, 20100 Cedar Road, N. Sonora, CA, 95370 or to the CHISPA Parlor #139, Native Sons of the Golden West, P.O. box 151, Murphys, CA, 95247.
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