Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
James Gavagan Obituary
GAVAGAN, JAMES M- Of Marion, age 88, died Friday, November 14, 2025, at his residence.
Funeral service will be held at 1pm Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Decon Ron Kenney officiating.
Visitation will be at 11am Thursday till the time of service at the funeral home.
Burial in Flint Memorial Park Cemetery.
James was born in Flint, Michigan on October 20, 1937, the son of the late Joseph and Francis (Bair) Gavagan.
James was a proud Marine who served his country from 1957 to 1959. The volume of stories he would tell, about his time in the Marines would lead one to believe he served for fifty years.
After returning to Flint upon completing his service, he met the love of his life, Gloria. They wed on November 14, 1959, and shared their lives together for 66 years.
James retired from General Motors V-8 plant in March 1993 and moved away from his hometown to Marion, Michigan where he lived for the remainder of his life.
James loved being outside and seemed to always be tinkering in his garage on his many projects. He was a long-time member at Flint Bowman where he and Gloria made many lifelong friendships. James also enjoyed his fishing boat, bringing it along on his camping trips with his in-laws for the Wilcox family reunion.
Above all, James loved his family, always praying for the welfare and prosperity, never shying from offering his opinion on decisions.
He leaves behind 5 children, Rosemary Gavagan of Chesaning, James Jr. (Arlene) of Cookville, Tennessee, John Gavagan of Lansing, Donald (Melissa) of Alger, Gerri Gavagan of Grand Blanc; 14 grandchildren, Denise, Lisa, Adam, Mary, Connie, Jenee, Zachary, Megan, Joshua, Katie, Ryan, Allie Lauren and Nick; 16 great grandchildren, Julia, Joseph, Jacob, Matthew, Daniel, Katelyn, David, Phoebe, Harley, Bella, Gavin, Zoe, Leo, Brayden, Blakely and Baylor; 2 great-great grandchildren, Oliver and Westin; many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed spending time with over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marge, Joanne, Phillip, Paul and Kathy.
Memories and Condolences
for James Gavagan
7 Entries
Donald Gavagan
December 9, 2025
This powerful testament is meant to honor my father, a man whose life was a masterclass in living by principle rather than materialism. His enduring legacy is the foundation of values he built, rooted in the core philosophy to "always do the best you can".
His true wealth, far exceeding any material possession, resided in:
•Unique gifts: An inherent, intuitive understanding of mechanical things and the skill to fix them.
•Profound character: A generous heart, a life rich with meaningful relationships, and unwavering integrity.
These principles defined his true fortune and continue to guide those who knew him:
•"Your word is your bond": A steadfast commitment to honesty and following through on promises.
•Patriotism: A genuine love and honor for his country and for his beloved Marine Corps.
•Leadership by example: The dedication to setting a positive standard for others.
•Cherishing relationships: The value placed on deep friendships and family.
•Responsibility: The commitment to honoring his family name and ensuring the well-being of his wife.
While physically small in stature at 5’6”, he cast an immense shadow through his powerful presence and the high expectations he set. His communication was often wordless, but always clear: "the look" conveyed disappointment that cut deep, while a proud gleam in his eye and a subtle smirk of pride offered inspiration to strive for even greater success.
He always encouraged us to “keep climbing”, “keep going”, “one step after the next”, “you can make it, just keep trying”. As I reflect on him, what a wonderful and impactful message of enduring resilience and perseverance, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of strength and encouragement.
His impact and loss is immeasurable to me. I am proud to have been called his son, honored to carry on his name, and I long simply for one more shared moment—a beer with him in a lawn chair by Trout Lake or in his pole barn. His wisdom will continue to guide and inspire for generations.
I love you, dad!
Ed Loomis
November 23, 2025
I worked with Jim at V/8 Engine. Lee and l rode motorcycles with Jim and visited with him in Marion. He was a great friend and we be sadly missed.
Joshua James Gavagan
November 18, 2025
He was a man who, despite encountering many instances of severe adversity throughout his life, always persisted with a dignity and a steadfast loyalty to his family.
Among innumerable cherished memories and life-lessons imparted, I'll always remember one in particular in which, when I was still too young to really grapple with the complexities of the world or properly appreciate what he was getting at, he pulled me aside and said in the stern voice he only sparingly employed, "you were born with a gift--DON'T WASTE IT!"
While I'll always strive to live up to that best version of what he saw in me, I'll insist until my own last breath that he was one of the smartest men I've had the privilege to know and was far too eager to underestimate on the basis of its informality his own intellect. His practical ingenuity and moral clarity, borne of the many tribulations he overcame--most of which I came to learn of as a result of his willingness to orate to us (perhaps multiple times...) the stories of his life--are attributes that only a rare few are able to cultivate and, more importantly, harness toward the end of preparing his family for the terrain of the world that we must now navigate in his absence.
In the wake of his passing, its easy to lament the loss of his wealth of knowledge and life experience, and to regret not having taken greater advantage of the wisdom he accrued over his many decades on this earth. But I think it better to instead focus on carrying with us in our hearts and minds the example he set as a man duty-bound to the betterment of his family, and to make the most of the blessing that is the many great times we were lucky enough to share with him. If there is a gift that I am keen on not wasting, its the gift of being able to say with emphatic pride that I am his grandson.
Grandpa, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
Robert Kelly
November 18, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
How you can show support
John Stewart
November 18, 2025
He was a bit of a 2nd dad.
Many, many fond memories & well... “other” memories that all bring a smile!
A toast to Mr. Gavagan, cheers to a great man & an amazing family.
Sending peaceful thoughts!
Robert Wilcox
November 16, 2025
Very much loved, and will be missed by many.
Lyn Barry
November 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim passing. My prayers for you Gloria and the rest of your family.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results