James J. KAVANAGH

1929 - 2021

KAVANAGH - James J.
Of Lancaster, NY, June 26th, 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 co-championship 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 fund raise 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 1890's. 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. Please share condolences at www.wendelandloecherinc.com