In Memory: Sensei James “Jim” Rafferty, 1947–2020

Everyone at Tokushinkai is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Sensei Dr. James “Jim” Rafferty last weekend.

A dedicated 4th Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, Sensei Rafferty founded the club alongside Sensei Chris Gillies as a co-instructor of the Olney dojo in 1991 and taught at the club for many years. Orginally training under Sensei John Van Weenan with TASK, the dojo would eventually follow its journey towards Shotokan Karate Kanazawa-Ryu International Federation, where he remained devoted to passing on the technical precision, dynamic movement, and traditional Budo spirit established by Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa for many years. To generations of karateka in Olney and Milton Keynes, he was a patient teacher and mentor known for his deep knowledge, warm demeanor, and encouraging presence in the dojo.

I remember Jim regaling amusedly a tale of his visit to Japan where he purchased a tailored Tokaido gi that he had long admired and wished for. Upon receiving the gi he requested SKIFs calligraphy be embroidered on the chest at which he was informed they were not permitted to do so. They sheepishly contacted Honbu dojo, where Soke graciously permitted the embroidery to take place. From that day on he had one of, if the only, Kanazawa-ryu Tokaido gis in existence, after which he was never too shy to say!

– Ryan Gillies

Beyond the dojo, Sensei Rafferty had a distinguished professional and academic career. Joining the University of Buckingham Business School in 1987, he held the IMI-D.K. Chowdhury Chair in Management, twice served as Head of the Department of Management, and was the Founding Director of the MBA Programme (1997–2000). Before entering academia, he held executive management roles at General Motors Corporation and Granada Group, and consulted internationally for United Nations agencies including the UNDP and UNIDO.

A long-time resident of Olney, Jim exemplified traditional Budo values – humility, lifelong learning, and quiet dedication – both in his professional life and in his karateka. He is remembered with deep respect, gratitude, and affection.

OSS.