James “Jim” J. Kavanaugh, 89, of Polo, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Jim was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Chicago, the son of Patrick E. and Loretto (Scanlan) Kavanaugh. On May 28, 1949 in Highland Park, MI, he was united in marriage to Ms. Joyce Geisert. Jim was very active in the Polo Community. He served on the Polo Park Board, Civil Defense Board and flagged for the Polo Fire Department for over 40 years. Jim was a longtime announcer for the Polo Football games. He and wife Joyce owned the Polo Theater many years ago. Jim coached the Polo Squares girls softball team and pitched for Kitten Ball teams where his sons also played. He golfed daily at Edgewood Golf Course until its closing, was a dog lover who owned a Boxer breed all his life and was very rarely seen without his beloved companions. Jim was an avid Chicago Bears fan, enjoyed his Irish heritage, and his jokes and humor were legendary.
Survivors include daughters Mary Kavanaugh of Elgin, Kathy (Frank) Saaijenga of Polo, daughter-in-law Karen Kavanaugh of Webster, TX; sons Patrick (Kirsten) Kavanaugh of Dixon, Daniel (Candice) Kavanaugh of Westfield, IN, Kevin (Anna) Kavanaugh of California, Michael (Julie) Kavanaugh of Ashland, KY, Timothy (Sue) Kavanaugh of Dixon; 13 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by wife Joyce, son Jim, sister Marjorie Martin and son-in-law Frank Saaijenga .
Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 211 N. Franklin Ave. in Polo with Rev. Joseph P. Naill officiating. Visitation will be just prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St. Polo. Private burial will take place immediately following the Mass. Family invites those not attending burial to stay for lunch.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Polo Area Senior Center or Serenity Hospice and Home.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com
