James P. "Jim" Cavanaugh

James Peter Cavanaugh May 24, 1956 – March 6, 2023

James Peter Cavanaugh died unexpectedly on March 6, 2023, at the age of 66. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen Christoffersen, his deeply loved children, Christopher, Monica (Casey Kresnak) and Scott Cavanaugh, and his cherished grandson, Fredric Kresnek. Further survived and dearly missed by his siblings, Michael Cavanaugh (Alice), Judy Bonk, Beth Holzhauer (Mike), Tom Cavanaugh (Peggy), Jeff Cavanaugh (Beth), his brother-in-law, John Krenz, as well as his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Rosemary (nee McAneny) Cavanaugh, brothers Ned and John Cavanaugh, and brother-in-law Tom Bonk.

Jim’s life reflected his many interests and hobbies. As a student at Christ King School, class of ’70, and at Marquette University High School, class of ’74, Jim’s sporting career was legendary. As a member of the baseball and football teams, Jim’s passion and competitive nature on and off the field was obvious to all. Throughout his life, he was always ready for a round of golf, happy to find a pick-up game of basketball, or eager to play on a summer softball league. Sports were a constant presence in his life, whether it was coaching his sons’ baseball teams, introducing his grandson to whichever sport was in season, or simply catching a game on TV, Jim was up for it. Jim encouraged his children and grandson to find their passions, too. When the kids were growing up, Jim regularly clipped and sent each one of them newspaper articles that he found interesting or thought might be useful to them or even just might give them a laugh. Family ski outings when they were young led both his sons to follow their love of skiing to the mountains of Colorado, and during his weekly Saturday outings with Freddy, Grandpa Jim accompanied him to the zoo, to swim lessons and to craft time, hoping to find whatever made Freddie most happy as they passed the time together.

After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in finance from Arizona State University, class of ’79, Jim began his professional life in accounting. However, he soon realized that sales were a much better fit for his affable nature and outgoing personality. He worked for 20+ years as a pharmaceutical sales rep starting with Metzger Pharmaceuticals and ending his career at GlaxoSmithKline. In 2018, after receiving many accolades and awards, Jim earned his well-deserved retirement. Retirement truly suited Jim, for he could travel extensively and have enough time to visit his children out west. He found many ways to fill his time, including his membership in the Heritage of Grafton bean bag league, walking the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, spending afternoons in the state parks and attending live music events with Karen.

Jim’s easy going, giving and dependable nature was appreciated by all. He was always generous with his time and talent, and his family relied on him regularly in so many different ways. His kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s honor are appreciated to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. This summer, Jim’s family will hold a celebration of life at the Riverview Room in the Muellner Building at Wauwatosa’s Hart Park, 7300 Chestnut Street, on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Please join us to raise a glass, share a story, and remember together the kind and wonderful man he was.