Obituary of James Gavin

James “Jim” Edward Gavin, 79, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away Monday, May 27th, 2013. He was born on July 31st, 1933 in Massillon, Ohio and was raised by his parents, Carl and Violet "Mickey" Gavin, with four brothers and three sisters in Lancaster, Ohio. After graduation from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Lancaster, Jim entered the Marine Corps in 1952. Honorably discharged, he returned to Lancaster and went to work for Ohio Bell as a lineman. He married his first wife, Donna in May of 1960, and had three children. His career led Jim to move his family to Eugene, Oregon in 1978 to work for Pacific North West Bell. He worked for “Ma Bell” and its many subsequent companies until he retired in 1995 after 39 years.Jim and his wife, Loretta "Lee" Gavin, spent retirement enjoying motorhome trips to Alaska and Mexico, and snowbirding in Arizona. He liked spending time outdoors camping, hiking and golfing and creating memories with his family and friends. His fun sense of humor always put a smile on everyone's face. He loved the NY Yankees, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Oregon Ducks and was always proud to be a United States Marine.Jim is survived by his wife Lee; sons, Shaun (Georgia) Gavin of West Linn, OR, Tim Gavin of Springfield, OR; daughter,Erin Gavin of Vancouver, WA; stepson, Loren Davis of University Place, WA; brothers, Pren (Judy) Eckert of Indianapolis, IN, Danny (Toby) Gavin of Washington Court House, OH, and Mike (Grace) Gavin of Lancaster; sisters, Patricia Wheeler, Judy Logue, and Ruth Covington, of Lancaster; grandchildren, Cameron, Katie and Brandon; and many loved nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Carl "Butch" (Martha) Gavin of Lancaster.A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, June 15th at 1:00 PM at the Verteran's Memorial Building, 1626 Willamette St. in Eugene. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that a donation be made to Food for Lane County, 770 Bailey Hill Rd, Eugene, OR 97402.