James J. Cavanaugh Jr.

James J Cavanaugh of Gloucester, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on August 4th 2022. Born February 7th, 1936 to the late James & Edith Cavanaugh. His father was a fisherman who was lost at sea, and his mother, whom he loved dearly, was left with five children to raise on her own. The loss of his father, and the strength of his mother is what helped shape James into the incredible man he came to be.
Upon graduating Highschool in 1954, he attended two years at Mass Trade in Boston for drafting. Then enlisted in the army where he was stationed for one year in Virginia and two years in Germany. Following the army, he worked for twenty-three years at North Atlantic, twelve years as a foreman, four years at Quincy Freezer, then went on to work for himself as a stevedore (lumper) for Fishery Products until he retired in 1999.
Aside from being an extremely hard worker throughout his life, James had a heart of gold and was one of the kindest, chivalrous, and most generous souls you could ever meet. He was also a man of many talents. An outstanding pitcher in Highschool, strategic chess player and held the record for the most consecutive three rail billiard shots at Nicks Pool Room. He loved sharing these talents with his grandchildren and teaching them all his tips and tricks. Family meant the world to him and he was the first to tell you how proud he was at anything you've accomplished.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Frances Cavanaugh, four daughters, Shirley and her husband James Tanner, Cyn-Anne Candoza, Jeannine and her husband Shawn Bouchie, Anne Palazzola and son Christopher and his wife Phyllis Palazzola. Eleven Grandchildren, Jason, James, Sasha, Connor, Alexandria, Jermaine, Jazmaine, Amanda and her husband Joao, Anthony and Joseph. Five Great Grandchildren. His sister Shirley and her husband Frank LaFrance, his brother Dennis and his wife Anne Cavanaugh, sister-in-law Dorothy Cavanaugh, sister in law Josephine Palazzola and sister in law Kathleen Scola. He has many nephews and nieces whom he loved dearly. Four people held a special place in his heart, nephew David Palazola, nieces Amy Puff and Annalee Aiello and special friend Betty Veator. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Edith Cavanaugh, son Jay Cavanaugh, brother Jack Cavanaugh, sister Agnes and her husband Robert Puff.
Special thank you to his nurses Kathy Reardon and Sybil.
James's funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, on Thursday, August 11, at 11a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester, on Wednesday, August 10, from 4-7:00p.m. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.