James Francis Cavanaugh, a dedicated and respected retired construction superintendent, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 78, after a brief illness. Born in Brockton, MA, he grew up in Randolph, MA, graduated from Randolph High School and earned an associate’s degree in computer programming.
A lifelong builder by trade, Jim spent his career overseeing construction projects starting from home building to movie theaters with a sharp eye for detail, a steady hand, and strong work ethic. But when the hardhat came off, Jim found his true happiness with his family and in the great outdoors. Since he was a small boy exploring the Randolph reservoir, he loved being outdoors often saying he was an outdoor dog. Whether he was taking his children fishing when they were young, being on the beach at Saquish, walking the fairways on a golf course with his brothers and son, enjoying a quiet afternoon mowing the lawn or listening to the music he loved so dearly, he was his happiest. For a number of years, he hosted the Spam Invitational golf event - one of his favorite days of the year.
Jim played acoustic guitar until injuries to his hands made it too difficult, so he turned to making acoustic guitars with his son where they had many, many laughs in their man cave. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and siblings.
He is predeceased by his parents, James Cavanaugh and Loretta Mae Morgan, his sister, Lynne Heffernan, brother, Dennis Cavanaugh and Dennis’s wife, Jackie. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia MacMillan, his daughters Lisa Linde and husband, Dave, Melanie Wolloff and her husband, Josh, his son, Christian Cavanaugh, grandchildren Anna, Luke, Paige and Cole, siblings Kathleen Silva, Richard Cavanaugh, Gloria Sullivan and her husband Artie, Russell Cavanaugh and his wife Laurie, Robert Cavanaugh and his wife Randy, David Cavanaugh and his wife Patricia, and Ronald Cavanaugh and his wife Amy and many, many nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and cherished memories with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, October 3rd from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
At the conclusion of visitation on Saturday afternoon, family reflections honoring Jim’s life will be held at 5:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to jazzhers.com in his memory.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com
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