TEWKSBURY: James J. Cavanaugh, Jr., age 85, a resident of Tewksbury for the past six years, formerly of Reading, died Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the Winchester Hospital.
He was the loving husband of Kathleen R. (Walsh) Cavanaugh, with whom he would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on November 15, 2008.
Born in the Charlestown area of Boston, he was the son of the late James J. and Mary F. (Burke) Cavanaugh.
Mr. Cavanaugh attended Charlestown and Reading schools.
He resided in Reading until moving to Tewksbury in 2002.
In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the U.S.S. Mink. Mr. Cavanaugh was awarded several decorations for his military service including the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.
Mr. Cavanaugh was employed for over thirty years by the Boston Shipping Association/ International Longshoremen Association in Boston and later worked for the Wang Company in Lowell until his retirement in 1985.
Jim enjoyed gardening, remodeling projects at his home and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, James J. Cavanaugh, III and his wife Gail of Rye, NH, Thomas F. Cavanaugh and his wife Katie of Tewksbury and David M. Cavanaugh and his wife Maureen of Bradford; two brothers, William Cavanaugh of North Reading and Donald Cavanaugh and his wife Sue of Saugus; seven sisters, Gertrude Doucette and her husband James of Reading, Ruth Parrin of Stoughton, Barbara Barrett and her husband Bob of Groveland, Patricia O’Donnell and her husband Albert of Nashua, NH, Joan Cavanaugh, Carol Cavanaugh and Dorothy O’Keefe and her husband Ron all of Reading; eight grandchildren; Gail, Kelly, Sharon, Scott, Kris, Meaghan, Colleen and Gregory; twelve great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Cavanaugh was the brother of the late Bernard, Joseph and Richard Cavanaugh and Mary Oulette.
Calling hours Sunday, September 7th, from 4- 8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Monday, September 8th, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 are suggested.