Devoted Wicklow RNLI volunteer Jimmy Kavanagh was generous, kind and full of warmth
Loving brother of Thérèse McLoughlin, Jimmy was predeceased by his parents William and Elizabeth, his sisters Carmel Kavanagh, Marjorie Lyons, Monica Boner and Breda Devlin, and his brothers Michael, Paddy, Liam and Fran. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, and many friends.
On Monday, August 4, a large gathering attended St Patrick's Church, Wicklow, to celebrate Jimmy's life. The funeral mass, celebrated by Bishop Donal Roche, was marked with a guard of honour from the RNLI in recognition of Jimmy's many years of devoted service.
A true and proud Wicklow man, Jimmy was born in Summerhill, the third youngest of ten children. Hardworking and dedicated, he held a variety of roles throughout his life. He began as a barman at S.V. Delahunt's before running his own vegetable shop in Fitzwilliam Square. Later, he spent many years as a rent collector with Wicklow County Council, serving the Newcastle, Newtown, Roundwood and Kilcoole areas with commitment and care.
For two decades, Jimmy was the national organiser for the RNLI, travelling to lifeboat stations across Ireland. This role was one of the great joys of his life, through which he formed lasting friendships and contributed enormously to a cause that meant so much to him.
In 1965 Jimmy married his beloved May Lambert, and together they built a life in Wicklow town. A lifelong member of the Labour Party, Jimmy proudly supported his brother Liam's political career.
Jimmy's love of the arts was evident in his long service as chairperson of the Wicklow Musical Society. Under his guidance, the society brought vibrant productions to Fatima Hall each Easter, lighting up the local community with six nights of music and theatre.
Jimmy was a dedicated member of the Church Finance Committee and wholeheartedly supported May's tireless fundraising for the RNLI and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
May's illness in 2021, and her passing in September 2023, was a deep sorrow for Jimmy. Together, they will be remembered not only for their style and grace but also for their generosity, warmth, and the kindness they extended to all who knew them.
Their legacy is one of friendship, community spirit, and a willingness to always lend a helping hand.
Jimmy's month's mind and May's anniversary mass will take place on Saturday, August 30 at 6pm.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
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Devoted Wicklow RNLI volunteer Jimmy Kavanagh was generous, kind and full of warmth
He is now reunited with his beloved wife, May. Loving brother of Thérèse McLoughlin, Jimmy was predeceased by his parents William and Elizabeth, his sisters Carmel Kavanagh, Marjorie Lyons, Monica Boner and Breda Devlin, and his brothers Michael, Paddy, Liam and Fran. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, and many friends. On Monday, August 4, a large gathering attended St Patrick's Church, Wicklow, to celebrate Jimmy's life. The funeral mass, celebrated by Bishop Donal Roche, was marked with a guard of honour from the RNLI in recognition of Jimmy's many years of devoted service. A true and proud Wicklow man, Jimmy was born in Summerhill, the third youngest of ten children. Hardworking and dedicated, he held a variety of roles throughout his life. He began as a barman at S.V. Delahunt's before running his own vegetable shop in Fitzwilliam Square. Later, he spent many years as a rent collector with Wicklow County Council, serving the Newcastle, Newtown, Roundwood and Kilcoole areas with commitment and care. For two decades, Jimmy was the national organiser for the RNLI, travelling to lifeboat stations across Ireland. This role was one of the great joys of his life, through which he formed lasting friendships and contributed enormously to a cause that meant so much to him. In 1965 Jimmy married his beloved May Lambert, and together they built a life in Wicklow town. A lifelong member of the Labour Party, Jimmy proudly supported his brother Liam's political career. Jimmy's love of the arts was evident in his long service as chairperson of the Wicklow Musical Society. Under his guidance, the society brought vibrant productions to Fatima Hall each Easter, lighting up the local community with six nights of music and theatre. Jimmy was a dedicated member of the Church Finance Committee and wholeheartedly supported May's tireless fundraising for the RNLI and the Society of St Vincent de Paul. May's illness in 2021, and her passing in September 2023, was a deep sorrow for Jimmy. Together, they will be remembered not only for their style and grace but also for their generosity, warmth, and the kindness they extended to all who knew them. Their legacy is one of friendship, community spirit, and a willingness to always lend a helping hand. Jimmy's month's mind and May's anniversary mass will take place on Saturday, August 30 at 6pm. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
