KAVANAGH - James J.
Of Lancaster, NY, June 26, 2021.
Beloved husband of 53 years to Mary
Young Kavanagh, deceased; dear
father of James (Mary), Suzanne
(Loïc) Kavanagh, Cindy (Ronald)
Barnhardt, Karen (John) Roberts and
Kathleen Kavanagh, deceased; loving
grandfather of Colin, John, Lauren,
Megan, Joseph, Tara, Austin, Sarah,
Daniel and Sean; great-grandfather
of Joshua, Andrew, Owen, Addelyn,
Elijah, Melody and Grace; he is survived
by his close friend Shirley Zurbrick. Jim
was born on May 17, 1929 in Chicago,
Illinois, was an only child just nine years
old when he lost his father, John. His
mother returned with Jim to Lancaster
in 1938 where he would later marry and
have five children with his wife, Mary
Young. He was an important part of the
lives of his children, grandkids, great
grandkids and the local community.
He was the son of John Francis and
Genevieve Dempsey Kavanagh;
grandson of John Kavanagh and Mary
Connoly, who emigrated from Ireland
in 1890 and settled in Chicago. Jim
graduated from Lancaster High School
in 1948 and enrolled at Buffalo State
Teachers College where he earned
a master’s degree in education. He
went on to teach mathematics and
coach high school football, taking
West Seneca to win ECIC Division
1 championship in 1965 and cochampionship
in 1966. He was later
Principal of West Seneca West High
School. He served as a Lieutenant in the
New York Army National Guard 152nd
Engineer Battalion and was elected
a Trustee of the Village of Lancaster.
He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame
Fighting Irish Football, and enjoyed
his time participating in the Lancaster
Historical Society and Buffalo Civil War
Roundtable. For over 20 years Jim
delivered Meals on Wheels, annually
organized individuals to fundraise for
Children’s Hospital on Buffalo News
Kids Day and was chairperson of the
Lancaster Reunion for high school
classes that graduated over 50 years
ago. Jim was well-read and traveled
widely. From chilly Arctic waters, to
majestic U.S. National Parks, through
Europe and Africa; he could explain the
history of any place when he explored
with his family. Just two weeks before
he passed, Jim dined out at his favorite
restaurant, Frank’s on Broadway in
Lancaster, still driving his friend Shirley
on dates together. With his kids and
great grandkids he had one last
backyard party earlier in June, full of
life. He passed away in his sleep the
evening of Saturday, June 26, 2021
at the age of 92 in his own Lancaster
home that had been in his mother’s
family since the 1890s. He was under
the attention of his children, extended
family and compassionate Hospice
workers. He can now enjoy a well earned
rest, joining his wife Mary and
his daughter Kathleen. A celebration of
life will be organized by his family at a
later date. Share condolences at www.wendelandloecherinc.com
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