James Gavin

James Gavin obituary, Cairo, NY

James Gavin

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James Gavin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Richards Funeral Home - Cairo on Jan. 20, 2026.
James "Jimmy" Gavin, age 84, of Cairo, New York, passed away on January 19, 2026,

leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and kindness.

Jimmy was born on April 15, 1941, in Galway, Ireland, a place he always carried in his

heart. After coming to the United States, he lived in Astoria, then the Bronx, before

settling in Leeds, New York, and later making his home in Cairo, where he was known,

loved, and warmly welcomed by many.

A hardworking plumber by trade, Jimmy was a man who truly enjoyed life. He loved

playing cards with his friends, visiting the casino, and could never pass up a good

garage sale-whether hosting one or attending one. He also enjoyed reading old World

War books and watching classic cowboy movies. A huge jokester, Jimmy loved to make

people laugh and was almost always smiling. Above all else, he loved helping people in

any way he possibly could. His generous heart, upbeat spirit, and sense of humor

brought joy to everyone around him.

Jimmy is survived by Eithne, his beloved companion of 34 years, along with his children

James, Elizabeth, Denis, and Kevin (Doris), and was predeceased by his son Michael.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, along with his

stepchildren Pamela, Patrick (Roseann), and Fiona (Glenn). His son Kevin's children

are Dr. Jack Gavin, Briana, and Sean. Jimmy was a devoted grandfather to Tristyn

(Nicky), Devin (Stephanie), Hayley, Tierney (Brendan), Reilly, Patrick, and Charlotte,

and a proud great-grandfather to Sadie, Colt, and Brody. He was deeply loved and will

be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.

to 1:00 p.m.-Friday the 13th, chosen in his honor as a true gambling man who never

shied away from taking a chance. Family and friends are invited to gather to share

stories, laughter, and memories of a life well lived.

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

In true Jimmy fashion, he'd tell us not to be sad-just shuffle the cards, place your bets,

share a laugh, and keep smiling.

To leave condolences for the family please visit the tribute wall above.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Richard's Funeral Home in Cairo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Gavin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 5, 2026

Mary Uí Cheallaigh (nee Raftery) posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2026

Frank and Marie Henry Ballina posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2026

Martin Raftery posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Mary Uí Cheallaigh (nee Raftery)

February 5, 2026

Sincere condolences to Jimmy's family and friends on his recent passing. The Gavin family were fondly thought of in Ashfield and the surrounding area. Each of the family left Ireland for the USA once they came of age. Their lovely parents Kathleen and Mike followed in the late 1960s. Each summer to the delight of us, their neighbours they returned , their home became a centre for warmth, chat,music and fun. Jimmy was central to many a music session, He brought real friendship and craic where ever he went.

May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís

Frank and Marie Henry Ballina

February 3, 2026

Deepest sympathy to Eithne and family on the sad passing of Jimmy he was a lovely man may he rest in peace

Martin Raftery

February 1, 2026

One by one our dear neighbours left for New York, and Ashfield was never the same again. We always looked forward to their visits home, when homuor, song and the craic returned for a while. Jimmy's return always brought a special buzz. The pot was on the boil and the rabbits and hares went into hiding, as he hunted them on the double ditch and in the surrounding fields.
Ni bheidh a leithead ann aris.
Sincere condolences to the Gavin family.
Martin Raftery, Ashfield.

Pat McGinley

January 28, 2026

A great great man!!! He will be missed. Condolences to his family .

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Glenna Flanagan

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Helen Rochfrod-Brennan

January 26, 2026

Eithne my sincere condolences to you and your families on the passing of Jimmy. May he Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Michelle moyles

January 23, 2026

My deepest heartfelt condolences to jimmys family and freinds he was a true gentleman im happy i got to meet him in ireland thinking of his beautiful wife at this sad time r.i.p jimmy

Seán Taniane

January 22, 2026

In loving memory of a wonderful person, James Gavin. We will all love you and miss you always.

Seán Taniane.

January 22, 2026

It is with deep regret that I learnt of Jimmy Gavin's passing.
I wish to express my most sincere condolences to Jimmy's entire family relatives and friends, particularly to Eithne, who Jimmy often told me, that he would have been gone years ago had it not been for all the love, help and care she had given freely to him down through the years.

May Jimmy's kind and gentle soul forever rest in eternal peace.

Are lámh dheis Dé go raibh a Anam dílis.

Signed:
Seán Taniane.
From Galway, Ireland.

Terry McD

January 22, 2026

Condolences Eithne. Sorry for your loss.

Courtney Staff

January 22, 2026

So very sorry for your most recent loss of your beloved Jimmy, Eithne. I just can´t believe it. Such sad news for me to learn. I know you have your faith and family, thank goodness, thank God. My most sincere and concerned thoughts are with you, and your family. Courtney Staff of Stanfordville, NY

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Richards Funeral Home - Cairo

29 Bross St P.O. Box # 383, Cairo, NY 12413

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Upcoming Events

Feb

13

Celebration of Life

Richards Funeral Home

29 Bross Street, Cairo, NY 12413

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Services provided by

Richards Funeral Home - Cairo