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.
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