ALTAMONT — James V. Canavan, a leader throughout his school years in Altamont, Guilderland, and college in Vermont, went on to become an Air Force captain, then raised a family and had a career working for Mohasco Industries.

He died peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2019 in Lebanon, Tennessee. He was 81.

Known as Jim, he was the oldest son of Harold V. Canavan and Gertrude F. Canavan who lived in Altamont from 1940 to 1983.

He attended Altamont High School for most of his school years but graduated from Guilderland Central High School in that school’s first graduating class in 1955. He was very active in high school and led the student council in his senior year.

Mr. Canavan earned a bachelor of arts degree magna cum laude from St. Michael’s College in 1959. Again, he was very involved in school activities and was awarded the high honor of Michaelman in his senior year of college.

He also participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program and entered the Air Force as an officer upon graduation. He left the Air Force with the rank of captain after completing his tour of duty.

Jim Canavan and Jeanette Centofanti were married in August 1960, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010. Together they had four children, one boy and three girls.

They lived in Scotia for most of their child-rearing years while Mr. Canavan worked for Mohasco Industries in Amsterdam, New York. The family enjoyed camping (especially at Thompsons Lake and in the Adirondack Mountains) and Jim and Jeanette Canavan were avid square dancers.

The Canavans eventually moved to Marietta, Georgia as part of his company’s relocation. They continued to enjoy square dancing and watching their adult children begin marriages and families of their own.

Mr. Canavan retired from Mohasco Industries in 2001 and was immediately stricken by a severe stroke while visiting The Villages in Florida. Nevertheless, the Canavans purchased a home in The Villages where they lived for several years. When Mr. Canavan’s condition deteriorated, they moved to Lebanon, Tennessee to be near their daughter, Sharon.

“Over time, Jim experienced additional health issues that required him to move to a care facility,” his brother, Ed Canavan, wrote in a tribute. “In May 2019, after 18 years of battle, at the age of 81, Jim finally surrendered and quietly rested.”

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James V. Canavan is survived by his daughters, Patricia Fulton and her husband, Bill, of Greenwood, Indiana, and Sharon Lynch and her husband, Mark, of Lebanon, Tennessee as well by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His wife, Jeanette Canavan, died before him, as did his son, Paul, and his infant daughter, Anne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 29, in Lebanon, Tennessee.