James Michael Cavanaugh

James Michael Cavanaugh, a larger-than-life Irishman, drew his last breath Saturday evening, February 28th, with his daughters by his side. While our world is much quieter, we know that he was greeted in Heaven enthusiastically by many loved ones who were awaiting his arrival.

Jimmy grew up on Alma Street, in the East End of Waterbury, in a home filled with love, music and laughter. He was the fourth of five children born to the late William J. and Lucy Galvin Cavanaugh. Some of his happiest times were spent at Hamilton Park, especially watching Jimmy Piersall play baseball. His father was a performer in the Waterbury Elk’s Club “Jolly Corks,” and Jimmy happily sang their songs and retold their jokes countless times throughout his life. He attended Saints Peter and Paul grammar school and Sacred Heart High School. He excelled at football and was valedictorian of the Class of 1956 (not really- he wanted us to say this). He really was voted “Cutest in his Class”- a fact he would proudly share with anyone who would listen.

After high school, he attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland, but his unique sense of humor was not appreciated there, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country for 4 years in Albuquerque, NM and Kaiserslautern, Germany. He played football for the Kaiserslautern Clippers while stationed in Germany.

When his time in the military was done, he returned to Waterbury and reconnected with Elaine Marie Lewis. Jimmy and Elaine were married in 1962. They were blessed with two daughters, Kathleen Anne and Karen Elaine. They moved to Southington in 1968 to raise their daughters and have been a part of that community ever since.

After brief stints at Timex and Utica National, he joined the Connecticut State Police in 1966. He began his career at Troop H. He was excited to carry the Connecticut State flag in the CSP honor guard in President Nixon’s inauguration parade. He joined the Detective Division and was extremely proud to have been a founding member of the original Major Crimes Squad. His 23-year career consisted of pounding-the-pavement police work, undercover operations, putting away criminals, and bringing peace to so many families. His sense of humor lightened many tense situations. When a book and movie were created about one of his high-profile cases, he bought many books, autographing them and passing them out to anyone who showed interest – he was so excited to see his name in print – it didn’t matter that the book wasn’t great reading. Everyone who worked with him has a “Jimmy Cavanaugh story.” We hope that those stories will continue to be told with smiles.

During his career, Jim took classes and graduated from the University of New Haven with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. His mother, wife, and daughters were there to celebrate his graduation. Upon his retirement from the State Police, he opened his own business, Cavanaugh Investigations. He also was a bodyguard to Lowel Weicker during his gubernatorial campaign. Jim briefly learned to play the bag pipes so he could join the state police pipe band. This didn't work out so well, so he became their drum major instead. 

Upon retirement from his second career, Karen, Jim and Elaine traveled the world, making several trips to Ireland, where he found that his quick wit was not as quick as some local Irishmen. However, he never failed to treat them to a rendition of Paddy McGinty’s Goat or The Wild Colonial Boy. Jim was truly not only the life of the party - he was the party.

Being “our favorite” father (as he called himself) was the highlight of his incredible life, he was our biggest cheerleader. His joy continued when he became a grandfather to his 4 grandchildren: Bry Guy, Miss Meghan, No No Nolan, and Nat the Rat. He jumped right into his new role, calling everyday asking for an assignment. He would then arrive asking, “Who’s ready to roll?” He was always there to support and spend time with his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan at their plays, concerts, ball games- you name it. He gave them countless memories of trips to Florida and Christmas cruises. However, their favorite moments were when he made chocolate chip pancakes or his signature dish ‘Grandpa Surprise.’ In the past few years, he became a great-grandpa to Ronan and Marek. But, if you ask any of his grandkids, he already was a great grandpa.

A decision to purchase timeshare weeks at Mariner’s Boathouse on Ft. Myers Beach in the mid 1980’s created another family of dear friends. This decision also led Jim and Elaine to purchase a condo in Heritage Cove, in Ft. Myers. Jim loved sitting on his lanai, reading a book, watching the fountain in the water outside his condo. He also loved watching the snow on the weather channel and calling everyone up north to gloat. He made many friends who became family at Heritage Cove as well.

When the Boston Red Sox moved their spring training from Winter Haven to Ft. Myers, Jim and Elaine were among the first ones in line at the tent outside City of Palms Park to purchase season tickets. Jim enjoyed being on TV in his seat behind home plate. The move to Jet Blue Park changed the camera angle so they were no longer on TV, but we will be forever grateful to the staff at Jet Blue Park for always welcoming them enthusiastically and making it possible for them to comfortably attend games. Jim was a huge supporter of Dana’s Red Sox Fantasy Camp, attending many of his games and becoming friends with many Red Sox legends.

Jim was a proud member of the Elk’s Club and Ancient Order of Hibernians in CT and the Moose Club in FL. He also spent much time at East Mountain Golf Course, where every hole was the 19th hole. He loved his Thursday morning breakfast club with his high school classmates. His brand of humor was not for everyone – he was never accused of acting his age. Recently he began referring to his daughters as his “chaperones” – a very difficult and challenging task for them.

As we watched the light in his sparkling blue eyes dim these past few months, we were comforted by the example set by a man who always tried to do the right thing. His lessons of family, God, country, loyalty and respect will live with us the rest of our days. He always saluted the flag and stood for our national anthem, the last time under his own power, was in Dana & Kathy’s driveway as a young trooper’s funeral procession passed by.

He leaves behind his wife, Elaine Lewis Cavanaugh; a daughter, Kathleen Cavanaugh Rickard and her husband, Dana; a daughter, Karen Cavanaugh; grandchildren, Capt. Bryan James Rickard USAF and his wife, Megan; Meghan, Nolan, and Natalie Rickard; great-grandsons, Ronan James Rickard and Marek Akira Rickard, sisters, Marilyn Keohane and Lonnie Atkins; brothers and sisters-in-law: Barbara Cavanaugh, Richard Atkins, Steve and Anne Lewis Nilsen, Rosemary Lewis and cousin, Kathy McCarthy. He was predeceased by his big brother, Bill Cavanaugh, sister, Lucy Maye Galullo, brothers-in-law, Paul Keohane, Michael Galullo and Don Lewis and his cousin, Joseph Rozint, who grew up like a brother to him.

Uncle Jimmy is survived by Billy, Mimi, Lonnie, Katie, Colleen, Timmy, Brenda Cavanaugh; Lisa, Michael, Dana, Peter, Christy Galullo; Erin, Richie, Paul, John Patrick Atkins; Michael, Mark, Robyn, Amy Lewis; Chip, Michael, Kristen Zooleck, their children and countless friends who considered him an honorary uncle. He was predeceased by Stephen and Marnie Cavanaugh, whose losses affected him greatly. He was Godfather to Billy Cavanaugh, Dana Galullo, Judy Curtain, Michael Zooleck, Emily Corwin and Amy Lewis.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Your spirit will live on in everyone who loved you. Rest easy, James Michael, we’ve got it from here.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to The Hundred Club of Connecticut, 119 Oakwood Dr., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (https://www.hundredclubofct.org/), Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 (https://t2t.org) or to The Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1945, Meriden, CT 06450-0899 (https://www.cspaaa.com/).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. To join the services virtually, follow this link (http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26038605711894). Burial with military honors will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.