Dr. James J. Kavanaugh

Never one to shy away from speaking his mind, Dr. James Kavanaugh was an extremely intelligent, articulate, and passionate man. He naturally drew others to himself as he just had a certain something about him that left others intrigued to know him better. Jim was an ordained priest and a natural teacher who effortlessly shared his knowledge without others realizing they were even being taught. Always one to do things his way, Jim carved his own path along his life’s journey that looks a bit unconventional to some, but his life is a masterfully constructed lesson in proving that anything is possible. Jim was blessed to share 12 years of his life with his true companion with whom he created precious memories too numerous to count.

The year 1928 was part of a decade of innovation and discovery within America that forever changed the face of our nation. It was a year in which Walt Disney released his first Mickey Mouse cartoon, the first color motion picture was exhibited, and Amelia Earhart made history as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. This was also a year for celebration in the home of Frank and Hazel (Wendel) Kavanaugh as they welcomed the birth of their son, James, on September 17th. James, who was often called Jim, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as the middle of seven boys in his family. His parents supported their family through the insurance agency they owned in town. Always known as Jamie to family and friends, he attended St. Augustine School for ten years. As was normal for most Catholic boys in parochial schools, he and his brothers were encourage to consider the priesthood by the nuns, supported by the parents. Brother Robert “Red” answered the call, followed by Jamie two years later. This pleased everyone except the high school football coach who was grooming him to be quarterback. Msgr. Hackett was especially pleased because Jamie was his “pet”.

Jamie attended seminaries in Grand Rapids, Cincinnati and Plymouth and was ordained a catholic priest on June 5, 1954. He was first assigned to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing. Jim’s was next sent to Sacred Heart Parish, Flint, where he became known as “Apostle to the minorities”. Convents were numerous! He completed his parish work at St. John Vianney Parish, also in Flint. The bishop allowed Jim to go to Catholic University in Washington D.C. where he earned Ph D. degrees in Theology and Religious Philosophy. Later on in California, he would gain a third doctorate in Psychology. Jamie was sent as a U.S. Represenative to an ecumenical theology conference in Rome, where he shared ideas with Cardinal Ratsinger, who is now Pope Benedict XVI.

Throughout his career Jim was a bit of a “hippie” priest who never had any problems making waves. He even wrote an article for the Saturday Evening Post entitled, “I am a Priest and I Want to Marry.” Not surprisingly, this article created a huge uproar within Catholic circles. Jim was asked to expand his thoughts into a book, which he did. The final product was a book called A Modern Priest Looks At His Outdated Church. Jim authored this book in 1967 after he packed up his Volkswagen and drove to Mexico, although he ended up living in California.

Jim found that California suited him well so he remained there for many years. He became quite well-known there as well. Jim wrote 28 books during his career as a writer, including a dozen books of poetry. Jim also taught a variety of workshops, taught at various universities, performed at numerous poetry readings, and was on all the talk shows - even The Tonight Show. People found Jim fascinating as he was extremely passionate about his beliefs, highly educated, and not afraid to share what was on his mind. While Jim was dating Suzanne Sommers he wrote her first book, Touch Me, in just one weekend. This book sparked the beginning of Suzanne’s writing career. While in California Jim did some work for PBS and some stage work, ran a publishing company, and traveled in the same circles as many celebrities. He remained in California until 1992, at which time he moved to Chicago just prior to the death of his mother.

Eventually Jim moved to Michigan in order to be near family, which is where he found the love of his life, Cathy. They met when Jim put an ad in the paper that stated he was looking for a cook, housekeeper, graphic designer, and secretary. Cathy was a perfect fit, and from the first time they met, they never left each other’s side. They were opposites in every way and Cathy truly appreciated the ways in which Jim was a bit different from the norm. It was plain to see that their relationship just worked. They worked together designing and selling his books via his publishing company.

There were many ways in which Jim and Cathy were like-minded. They loved traveling together and were always embarking on one adventure or another. Their travels took them out to California for six months, to New Orleans, and to Yellowstone in the winter where they came across a herd of bison blocking the road while sight-seeing in their car during a blizzard. They enjoyed a family trip to Ft. Meyers, Florida, and they also made a stop at Everglades National Forest since Jim was always such a lover of nature.

Dr. James Kavanaugh was a man unlike any other. He could be a bit stubborn, always stood up for the underdog, and was forever ready to speak his mind. Jim enjoyed a variety of music including Latin hymns and Gregorian chants, Irish songs, and both jazz and classical music as well. Some will remember Jim for his love of nature or his weakness for cookies and chocolate, but all will remember him for his generosity with both his time and his heart, and the inspiration he shared with all those near him. He will be dearly missed.

Dr. James Kavanaugh died on December 29, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Jim’s family includes his wife Cathy Kavanaugh; daughter, Katherine Markel (Michael Johnson); 3 brothers, Dr. Philip Kavanaugh, Dr. Thomas (Susan) Kavanaugh and Dr. Daniel (Bonnie) Kavanaugh; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers: Frank Kavanaugh, Dr. John Kavanaugh and Fr. Robert Kavanaugh. Learn more about Jim and share in an “Irish Wake” with his family and friends on Sunday from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes - Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or make a memorial donation to the James Kavanaugh Institute.