James Patrick Cavanaugh

James Patrick Cavanaugh (Jimmie Pat) died peacefully at the age of 85 on Sunday September 28, 2025 surrounded by family.

Captain Jim Cavanaugh, U.S. Navy Retired, was born at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas, March 16, 1940. Jimmie Pat was delivered by his great uncle, Dr. J.J. Cavanaugh, M.D. Assisting were his aunt and great aunt, Sisters of Mercy, nuns and RNs. His parents, James Bernard Cavanaugh and Katherine Fortune Simeon, rented a small farm near Greenland, Kansas. He grew up with his two siblings, Andrew James (A.J.), and Mary Fortune.

Jim attended school in Girard. As soon as he turned 17, he joined his buddies in the Army Reserves, and volunteered for 6 months active duty in the Infantry. That over, he started college at Pittsburg State University, Kansas, receiving a B.S. degree in August 1961. He left for Navy Flight Training two days later. Almost two years later, he won his Navy "wings of gold" and flew airplanes and helicopters. During Vietnam, he flew helicopters for search and rescue off Navy carriers, but was very quiet about his time during the war. Jim retired as a Captain in 1988.

In 1965 he married Joyce Marie Gathje and they had three children, Elizabeth Ann (Beth), James Bernard (Jim B), and Kathleen Marie (Kate). They traveled with Jim's deployments between the east and west coast of the US. Jim and Joyce retired on Whidbey Island in Coupeville, Washington after 28 years in the Navy. They lived on 14 acres and Jim worked as a "gentleman farmer", gardening and raising livestock from chickens to highland cattle, and training horses.

Jim received a Masters in Business Administration, but decided to become a teacher. Jim taught math in Coupeville and later at Saint Anthony's in Renton, Washington after moving to their West Seattle home.

Following the sale of the farm in Coupeville, they became "snowbirds" spending winters in Tucson, Arizona enjoying the warm weather with biking and swimming.

Jim was a one of a kind; with an amazing sense of humor, welcoming and inclusive nature, dedicated volunteer at church, self taught farmer and home renovator, and an amazing family man. He loved spending time with family and dear friends. Jim was an avid athlete enjoying horseback riding, fishing, biking, skiing, and running marathons. He loved to read and often had multiple books going at the same time. Wherever they lived, Jim loved having friends and family visit and taking them on drives or tours of the sights. Jim and Joyce enjoyed traveling to Ireland, England, Europe, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, and Hong Kong.

Jimmie Pat was preceded in death by his brother A.J., his brother's wife Mary Jane, and sister Mary Fortune. Jim is survived by his wife Joyce of 60 years; daughter Beth and her husband Mike and children Emily and Katherine; Jim B. and his wife Maryna and children Ellia and Ariana; Kate and her husband Rob and children Sarah and Colin; and brother-in-law John Burghart.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 20 at 10 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee Street, Seattle, WA 98116.

The family thanks the Veterans Administration Home Health Care Team and Kline Galland Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Catholic Relief Services or to a charity of your choice.

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