James “Jim” Cavins

Dec 15, 1941 - Sept 9, 2026

Joliet, IL

James Thomas Cavins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 84.

Jim was born December 15, 1941, in Harrisburg, IL, to John and Georgia Cavins.

Jim spent his childhood living and working on his family farm in Southern Illinois and graduated from Carrier Mills High School. As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Deloris Jean Reynolds, whom he lovingly called “babe.” The two attended school and church together, and their young friendship blossomed into a lifelong marriage that began on July 16, 1961.

Their son, James Dean Cavins, was born on May 13, 1962. Soon after, Jim, Jean, and Dean moved to Northern Illinois and eventually made their home in Joliet. There, Jim began a 35-year career with Caterpillar, where he worked until his retirement.

Jim’s faith was always one of the most important parts of his life. He was a devoted member of the Church of God and faithfully served every church he was a part of in many ways. He helped with the construction of church buildings, served as Clerk, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, and shared his love of music by singing and leading songs. He even tried his hand at making peanut brittle and sold it for church fundraisers.

Jim especially loved Southern Gospel music. He and Jean often sang together and with family at church, and they spent some of their favorite times attending Southern Gospel singings with friends.

Outside of church, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors and in the country. He was an avid craftsman and gifted woodworker who loved building things with his hands. He was artistic, enjoyed drawing, and had a remarkable ability to repair or refurbish just about anything. Jim took great pride in his meticulous yard and garden, and found joy in caring for his home and the things he built. He was a true handyman and could always find a way to make something work.

Jim was a devoted, present father and best friend to his son, Dean. They shared countless adventures, from monster truck shows and hunting trips to working on cars together. Jim was a great provider who worked hard for his family, but his greatest gift was his love and devotion.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was affectionately known as Papa or PawPaw, and he never hesitated to be a kid right alongside them. His garage was always full of toys and treasures, and he seemed to have an endless supply of ideas for making an ordinary day special. From waking up to a breakfast of heart-shaped waffles, to a full day of outdoor fun, to ending the evening on the front porch chasing lightning bugs. Whatever their imaginations could come up with, he was always ready to create it. Papa/PawPaw was always just a phone call away.

Jim never met a stranger. He could travel across the country and somehow always end up making a new friend or running into someone he knew. He was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor or anyone who needed it, and he had a way of treating people like they were already family. In recent years, some of his favorite moments were his daily coffee chats with friends at the local McDonald’s, where he could always be counted on to have a story to tell.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Georgia Cavins; several siblings; and his beloved wife, Deloris Jean Cavins.

Jim is survived by his son, James Dean Cavins, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Cavins; his grandchildren, Kristin Cavins, Carabeth and Ben Rahtjen, and Micaela and Demacio Gaskin; and his great-grandchildren, Isabella Rahtjen, Chandler Rahtjen, Finnegan Rahtjen, and Ahsana Gaskin. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Cavins; sister-in-law, Nina Weathington; brother-in-law, Lyman Edmondson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

One of his favorite verses was Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”