James "Buzz" Henry Cavanaugh, Jr.

James “Buzz” Henry Cavanaugh, Jr., the son of James Henry, Sr. and Ethel (Simonsen) Cavanaugh, was born June 13, 1941, at his parents’ home in Audubon, Iowa and died April 9, 2016, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 74 years, 9 months, and 26 days.
Buzz was baptized in 1957 at the First Christian Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended Audubon Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1959. Buzz worked as a plumber for several years. On October 27, 1966, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he was stationed stateside in Texas and Washington State and served as a construction machine operator. Buzz was honorably discharged on August 26, 1968, and returned to the Audubon area. Buzz continued working as a plumber and also doing heating and electrical work.
Buzz made his home with Sherry Madsen and they have one daughter Christy. Buzz worked for Arch Andersen Plumbing and later Don Anderson Plumbing. He also worked with John Sunberg digging wells until he started his own plumbing, heating, and electrical business. Buzz was a “Jack-of-all Trades” and was willing to help anyone with their various projects.
Buzz loved being outdoors in the fresh air. He most enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Christy, teaching her the many fine points of trapping, hunting and fishing. As Buzz grew older he found greater pleasure in feeding and watching the animals as opposed to hunting them. Buzz enjoyed his dogs and always had a companion by his side and he also enjoyed socializing with his many friends.
Buzz was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law Robert Madsen; his niece Amy Jo Sandage; a special Uncle Raymond Cavanaugh; and his brothers-in-law James Long and Wayne Madsen.
Survivors include his wife Sherry Madsen of Hamlin, Iowa; his daughter Christy and husband Jason Eischeid of Ames, Iowa; his step-mother Lois Cavanaugh of Omaha, Nebraska; his mother-in-law Barbara Madsen of Audubon, Iowa; his sisters Patricia Long of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Deanna and husband Richard Sandage of Jefferson, Iowa, and Janet Tapia of Garner, Iowa; his sister-in-law Barb Madsen of Audubon, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
As per his wishes, Buzz was cremated. Buzz knew that his death would be difficult for his family and many friends but he did not want them to dwell on his passing but wanted them to celebrate his life and the many joys he experienced during his lifetime. To honor his wishes the family invites everyone to a Celebration of Life Gathering on Sunday, April 17, 2016, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the Audubon County Fairgrounds Agri-hall for food, fellowship and remembrances.