Jim P. Gavin

James P. "Jim" Gavin, age 77, of Monmouth, passed away at 6:08 a.m., Sunday, November 1, 2009, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Jim was born on October 24, 1932, in Monmouth, the son of Charles Leroy and Verna J. Brooks Gavin. Gavin was reared and educated in Monmouth, attended Monmouth Public Schools graduating from Monmouth High School in 1950 and attended Monmouth College for two years. On April 17, 1952, Jim married Blanche "Danny" Bevenour in Monmouth, she survives. Gavin worked first from 1950 to 1978 as a mechanic with his father at Gavin Motors in Monmouth and then went to work for the Galesburg Public School district # 205 as a maintenance worker. Jim enjoyed playing golf in his younger years, fishing, hunting, tinkering, he loved animals especially dogs. He had a great sense of humor and liked playing practical jokes on people. He most of all enjoyed spending time with his family. Surviving Jim is his wife Danny Gavin of Monmouth, three sons; Mike Gavin (Deb) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Chuck Gavin of Billings, Montana, Chris Gavin (Cherri Schroeder) of Forrest, Illinois, one daughter Anne Morath (Joe Bigger) of Monmouth, daughter-in-law Jan Gavin of Galesburg, Illinois, Grandchildren; Terri Gavin, Melissa Gavin, Erin Johnson (Nick), Kelly Seals (Chad), Eric Gavin, Jamie Slagel, Allison Spietz, Patrick Gavin, Bethany Morath, Aimee Morath, Evan Morath, and Lauren Morath. Eight great grandchildren also survive. Also surviving is one sister, Donna Clarke (Roger) of Palos Verdes, California, and numerous aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Gregg Gavin. Services:A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday evening at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth from 6 - 8 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. A memorial fund in being established for the Knox County Humane Society.