JACKSONVILLE  -  James Ronald Cavenaugh, 75 of Jacksonville, passed away Saturday morning, December 28, 2024 at his home. Graveside funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Onslow Memorial Park.

Mr. Cavanaugh was born in Jacksonville NC on December 14, 1949.  He was raised in Jacksonville having attended all Onslow County Schools.  Ronald served his country in the U.S. Army, served two tours in Vietnam and was later honorably discharged.  He married Jane Lumpkin in 1972 and went on to have three daughters.  The majority of his life was spent working outdoors operating heavy equipment for others and later for himself.  Ronald was very active in the church, F.F.W.B.C. of Jacksonville, having worked in the bus ministry, served as head usher for 22 years, assisted in the organization of the annual golf tournament for Jacksonville Christian Academy for 7 years and several fall festivals.  Ronald enjoyed playing golf, cooking for his family at various holidays and spending time with his family.  Ronald will be missed by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Franklin Cavenaugh, and Josephine Brown McGuire, and by his brother, Timothy Ray Cavenaugh.  Ronald leaves behind his sisters, Diane Plankey, Beanie (Jeff) Collins, Wanda (Buddy) Lumpkin, Ruth (Phillip) Autwell, Rebecca Duncan, and brothers Billy Cavenaugh and William McGuire.  He leaves behind his three daughters, Virginia (Josh) Cavenaugh-Spagnoli of Richlands, Ashley (Tim) Messier of Jacksonville and Shelley Cavenaugh of the home.  Ronald also leaves behind the prides and joys of his life three grandchildren, Victoria (Ethan) Wandzel, Alexandria (Ryan) Finney, Timothy Messier and three little great grandchildren Ara Wandzel, Théoden Wandzel, Micah Finney and his loving wife of 52 years, Jane L. Cavenaugh of the home.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 2, 2925 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) NC Chapter 16, 300 Sherwood Rd. Jacksonville, NC 28540, Phone: 910-455-3400 , Fax: 910-455-3323