Jim Cavanaugh Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Traverse City – Jim Cavanaugh, 86, passed away on Thursday November 19, 2015 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions after a long struggle with Parkinsons. The family would like to thank everyone at the Pavilions for the excellent care that Jim received during his final months of life. Jim was born on October 16, 1929 in New York, NY to the late John and Florence Cavanaugh. Jim attended Holy Cross and graduated from Colombia University. Jim married the love of his life Marilyn “Lyn” Pascoe on February 5, 1952 in New York, NY. Jim and Lyn moved to Traverse City from Lansing in 1975. He had a life long love of books and loved his job at the Traverse Area District Library where he worked until his retirement in 1995. He thoroughly enjoyed completing the crossword puzzle in the New York Times and would compare his results with his brother Jack. Jim and Lyn were avid antique collectors and were active in the former Traverse City Antique Club where they participated in various antique shows and sales. Jim was also an extraordinary cook and in his younger years enjoyed painting. Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn, brother Jack, sister Eleanor McGee, son Allen (Carol) Cavanaugh, and grandchildren Katherine and Collin Cavanaugh. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2015 from 3 to 5 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to the National Parkinsons Foundation (http://www.parkinson.org/).

Jim Cavanaugh

October 16, 1929 - November 19, 2015