James Richard Cavanaugh

The almighty gates of Heaven above opened on October 14, 2017, when the Lord, himself soared the blue skies to swoop down to Sandpoint, Idaho, to transport his “Treasured Angel” to Heaven above. James Richard Cavanaugh is resting in peace with God and he is running “wild” with all of his passed loved ones in Heaven above.

Jim was born at home on April 22, 1930, in Sanish, North Dakota, to Joseph and Ruth Cavanaugh. As a young child, Jim was raised in Velva, North Dakota, where he attended public school. In 1950, he joined the Navy and served in the Seabees. Jim left the Navy in 1954 with an honorable discharge. Following this, Jim attended Boise Junior College and then enrolled at the University of Oregon. Jim graduated from the University of Oregon and received his certified public accountant license in 1959.

His first accounting job was with Jacobson, Severson, & Jones, CPAs in Boise, Idaho. While on a business trip, Jim met the Love of his life, Patricia Hillerman in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Jim and Pat married in Las Vegas, Neveda on February 16, 1963 and began building their family. Jim moved his family to Thousand Oaks,

Calif., to begin his new career as treasurer of Capitol Records in Hollywood, Calif. After 16 years of dedication to Capitol Records, Jim and his wife, Pat moved back to Idaho in 1978. Jim and his wife, Pat owned and operated Rainbow Resort on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho. While owning Rainbow Resort, Jim also worked for the CO-OP Gas & Supply in Sandpoint, Idaho. After selling Rainbow Resort, Jim worked for the Sandpoint School District # 82 while continuing to live in Hope, Idaho.

When he retired, Jim spent the next ten years of his life traveling with his wife, Pat up and down the BAJA. In the winter months, they lived in their small, beautiful Mexico home on the Sea of Cortez fishing, four wheeling, and collecting seashells. At the beginning of the summer, they would return to North Idaho to spend summers with their family. In 2008, Jim and Pat returned to North Idaho to live permanently and in 2011 they purchased a home in Samuels, Idaho to live out the rest of his life. Jim was never one to sit “idle” and continued to freelance accounting jobs for several years after his return to North Idaho. Well into his golden years, he became excited about technology and learning all he could about technology.

Throughout Jim’s life he was an active man who loved fishing, hunting, traveling, playing games (especially card games), bowling (in younger days bowled several 300 games), and was an awesome pool shooter. He loved to camp, ride four wheelers, and go on 4 wheeling convoys in the mountains. He was a dancer at heart who could Jitter Bug all night long. On the dance floor, Jim loved to Jitter Bug with his wife, Pat and would light up the dance floor together!

Jim’s entire life was devoted to his family, especially his wife, Pat. He cherished her above all and loved every moment he spent with her. Family gatherings, family trips, friends, and events were his priorities as a husband and a father. As a Father he was a soft spoken man and always “jovial” at home. He taught his children and grandchildren to be independent, strong, honest, positive, and to love everyone. Jim always had a positive attitude towards life no matter what and he was a golden treasure full of kindness!

Jim was a devoted Catholic who worshipped and loved the Lord above with all of his heart. He has been a member of the Catholic Church since the day he was born. In North Idaho he attended masses at the Sacred Heart Chapel (Catholic Church) in Clark Fork, Idaho and later attended all masses at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Cavanaugh: his three children, Abigail Macumber, Kathleen Rounsville, Peter Cavanaugh; his grandchildren, Spencer Wilson, Bradley Macumber, Shanelle Sines, Jessica Macumber, Katrina Cavanaugh, Jason Calderone, Kyle Cavanaugh, Sara Cavanaugh, Hunter Rounsville, Christopher Cavanaugh, Kody Cavanaugh, Dakota Jensen; his great grandchildren, Kayden Macumber, Bryce Calderone, Jaxen Calderone, Serenity VanEtten, Kyzick Cavanaugh; his sisters, Rosemarie Cavanaugh Danks, and Joanne Maxwell; many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents/step parent, Ruth Cavanaugh, Joseph Cavanaugh, Irene Cavanaugh; his brothers, Joseph Cavanaugh, John Patrick Cavanaugh; his sisters, Arlys Cavanaugh Taylor, Geraldine Cavanaugh Rector; his son, Christoper Paul Cavanaugh; his son in law, James Macumber; his best friends, Darrell Vankleek and Mike Schwellinger.

The Vigil/Rosary will be said at 7 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, October 20, 2017 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Dennis C. Day officiating. Calling hours for family and friends will be from 6:30-7 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Family and friends are invited to sign Jim’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.