"The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." - George Costanza
March 21, 2025, 10:20 AM
Rexster
Rest in peace, Mr. Taffin.
I largely got started with the generation of gun writers preceding John Taffin. (Elmer KEith, Skeeter Skelton, Tom Ferguson, Bill Jordan, Charles Askins, and such.) John Taffin already had a handloading and load-testing column, ‘way back then, if I recall correctly, but I was not into that aspect of the shooting sports, so, I rarely read that part. As he started writing more feature articles, many with quite good photos, however, I started paying more attention, and developed much respect for JT.
As internet forums became a thing, I read his posts, TYPED IN ALL-CAPS, AT SUCH PLACES AS THE SINLGE ACTIONS FORUM. As his health declined, I truly missed his contributions.
A life well-lived. Thank you, sir.
Have Colts, will travel
April 01, 2025, 05:39 PM
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John August Taffin May 2, 1939 – March 10, 2025
John August Taffin of Boise, Idaho passed away on Monday March 10, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on May 2, 1939, in Barberton, Ohio. He grew up during the 40’s and 50’s and was inspired by members of the greatest generation who were willing to sacrifice themselves to protect America’s freedoms and liberties. After graduating from high school, he attended Kent State University and received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1965. John moved his young family to Boise, Idaho where he taught mathematics at Hillside Junior High School until 1995. During his teaching career he attended the University of Montana and received a master’s degree in 1971.
In the 1980s, John began a very successful writing career built on his passion for and expertise in firearms, particularly revolvers. He has made significant contributions to the world of shooting sports and firearms journalism. He authored 10 books and over 3000 articles in his career as a writer. As a trusted voice in the firearms community, his writings have been instrumental in educating and informing readers about handguns, reloading, and the history and development of the sixgun.
John’s highest priorities were his family and his faith. He is survived by Dorothy M. Taffin, his spouse of 66 years, and his three children, Sheryl R. (Michael) Seals, Michelle M. (Stephen) Panzella, and John M. (Theresa) Taffin, eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Debbie (Bob) Coffman.
In one of his “Campfire Tales” articles for Guns Magazine, he wrote this: "A century from now the words I’ve written, where I lived, how much money I made, even the sixguns I shot and enjoyed, will not make one bit of difference. But the time I spend with kids may very well make a great deal of difference. The most important thing a man can do is to be a father and grandfather worthy of admiration. That is the job of a real hero." He was that hero to his family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Faith Community Bible Church 9950 W. Ustick Rd. Boise, ID on Friday, May 2nd at 3:00 p.m.