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YOUNGSTOWN -- Father James Cavanaugh died on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at the age of 100.
He held the distinction of being the oldest priest to serve in the Diocese of Youngstown.
He was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Youngstown, a son of Robert and Rose Kennedy Cavanaugh. He grew up on Crandall Avenue, on Youngstown's North Side, during the Great Depression.
Father Cavanaugh graduated from St. Edward Elementary and Junior High and Ursuline High School prior to entering Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. He completed his seminary training at St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. He later earned a master of arts degree from John Carroll University.
During his active priesthood, he pursued, over a dozen summers, additional studies in Scripture at Georgetown University.
After his ordination on May 26, 1951, by Bishop Emmet Walsh, Father Cavanaugh was a summer program assistant pastor at St. James Parish in North Jackson. He then served as assistant pastor at Youngstown St. Edward Church until 1964, when he was named pastor of Sacred Heart, Rock Creek.
Father Cavanaugh became pastor of Wellsville Immaculate Conception Parish in June 1966, serving there until his appointment as pastor of Masury St. Bernadette in September 1975. He retired July 31, 1988.
During his pastorate in Wellsville, he served as director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for Columbiana County and as moderator for the deanery Conference of Catholic Nurses. He was also a member of the Priests Senate. In addition, Father Cavanaugh was chaplain of Wellsville Council 207 of the Knights of Columbus and Masury K of C Council 3984.
Father Cavanaugh enjoyed skiing throughout the country. In his retirement, he explored the world. He built a home on Lake Erie, where he lived for several years.
Father Cavanaugh is survived by his nephew, Robert Cavanaugh; niece, Rachel Cavanaugh; and the Kennedy, Wexler, and Rochford cousins.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at St. Edward Church, followed by a vigil service.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at St. Edward Church.
Father Cavanaugh will be entombed in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Cavanaugh's memory may be made to the Diocese of Youngstown, Priest Retirement Fund, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.
Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.
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