James E. Gavin Obit

JAMES E. GAVIN of Bemidji, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bemidji.  The Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary at 9:30 a.m.and there will be an hour of visitation starting at 10 a.m.  Interment will be at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Bemidji.  Arrangements are with the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji. Jim was born on May 5, 1945, in Crosby-Ironton to James and Phyllis (Galle) Gavin. He grew up and attended school in Crosby-Ironton, proudly graduating with the Class of 1963—“Go Rangers!” He went on to attend Bemidji State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. In 1967, while working in the shoe department at the S&L Store, Jim met the love of his life, Pat Hammerstrom. The two married in June of 1968, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and quiet devotion. Jim proudly served eight years in the United States Air Force, after which he and Pat returned to Bemidji in 1976 to raise their family. A gentle and kind-hearted man, Jim cherished time spent with family and friends. Some of his happiest days were on fishing trips with his boys and dear friends, Dave and Bonnie. He also loved tinkering in the garage— never failing to fix anything that needed mending and always eager to lend a hand. Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia, sons Thomas (Joanne) Gavin, Shawn (Ericka) Gavin, sister Georgia (Bill Polley) brother-in- law Tooker Hammerstrom, Mike (Joanna) Hammerstrom, sisters-in-law Mary Dufault and Myrna Corvelli and grandchildren Kathleen, Kyle, and Jonathan. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Phyllis Gavin, and his father- and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Kitty Hammerstrom-Vanasse, Brother in-law Dolf Corvelli and Jerome Dufault and sister-in-law Ellie Hammerstrom. Jim will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his gentle spirit, his steady strength, and the love he poured into his family and friends. Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome. com.