James Donald McCavitt, O.F.S.
June 30, 1927-April 13, 2018
Cupertino, California
Born and raised in the Appalachian coal mining town of Defiance, Pennsylvania, Jim was predeceased by parents James and Annie, and siblings Angela Peiffer, Martin, Jerome, John, Bernard and Rita King. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Marks; dozens of nieces and nephews; and a large, extended family.
Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Cupertino, surrounded by his statuary and religious artwork collected during his travels over many decades.
After his service in the U.S. Navy, Jim attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. Shortly after graduation he moved to California to join his brother Bernard. Jim eventually settled in Palo Alto and began teaching in the Palo Alto Unified School District. He taught hundreds of children at elementary schools in the 1960s through the 1990s. Several generations learned the Golden Rule from Jim and often heard his favorite adage: "Common sense is very uncommon!" He loved his work and was devoted to his students.
During school vacations, Jim traveled the world, having visited over 100 countries in his lifetime. He loved exploring new cultures, meeting new people and collecting the works of local artisans. When back at home, Jim enjoyed bringing people together through the numerous parties he hosted. Hardly a holiday passed without some sort of celebration and Jim was a generous host. Relatives looked forward to his appearance as "Uncle Santa" at family reunions.
A devout Catholic, Jim lived according to Franciscan principles: by modeling his life after Jesus in the spirit of Francis of Assisi. Prayer, humility, peacemaking, self-denial and above all charity were all central to Jim's being. An organization close to his heart was Neighbors Abroad of Palo Alto, and especially the child-to-child health program and orphanage in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Jim will be missed, but his many relatives and friends were blessed to have known him.
Tags: veteran, teacher/educator
