- Date Of Birth: November 12, 1939
- Date Of Death: May 31, 2019
- State: Illinois
James “Jim” Lavin, Sr., 79, of Centralia, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019, at Northwoods Care Center in Belvidere, Illinois. Jim was born November 12, 1939, in Springfield, the son of Paul Lavin and Antionette (Obermeyer) Lavin.
He married Kathleen (Mattingly) Lavin on July 14, 1962, in Springfield, Illinois and she preceded him in death on January 8, 1974, in Centralia. He married Ruth Bullard in July of 1977 and they later divorced.
Jim is survived by two sons: James Joseph Lavin, Jr. of Lewisville, Texas, and John Paul Lavin and wife Claudia of Fredricksburg, Virginia; a daughter: Jill Ann Lavin Walton and husband Kevin of Belvidere; seven grandchildren: Travis Lavin of Golden, Colorado, Brenna Lavin of Portland, Oregon, Kaylee Walton of Belvidere, Chloe Walton of Belvidere, Tanner Walton of Belvidere, Maya Cea-Lavin of Frederickburg, Virginia and Enya Cea-Lavin of Frederickburg, Virginia; a sister: Dolma Fogerty of St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Kathleen Lavin, two grandchildren: Thorin Lavin and Amanda Lavin, and a brother: Jerry Lavin. Jim worked as an Engineer/Draftsman for Illinois Bell/ Ameritech for 36 years. He lived in Springfield from 1939 to 1964, he moved to Alton in 1964 and moved in 1967. In 1967 he moved to Centralia, where he lived the remainder of his life. Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Centralia Council 1025, where he served as the Past Grand Knight and Trustee. Jim also served as a past Cub Scout Master and he coached Little League Baseball. He was an avid golfer. Jim enjoyed going to BBQ Competitions with his son, James Lavin, Jr. in Texas and he was also planning to attend a BBQ Competition in Belvidere.
