James Attilio Cavalier

November 9, 1936 – July 21, 2025

James "Jim" Cavalier was born on November 9, 1936, in Hibbing, Minnesota, to Angelo and Anne Cavalier. His arrival into the world was difficult—he was born blue, and tragically, his twin sister did not survive. But from those first moments, Jim proved to be a fighter.

He grew up near a city park, surrounded by friends who became lifelong companions. A proud graduate of Hibbing High School, Jim also served as an altar boy in his Catholic parish. Later in life, he pursued further education at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

Jim had dreams of joining the Navy as a frogman, but when the recruiter failed to show up, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force instead—a decision that would shape the rest of his life. While on leave, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Stephenson. Their journey together began in England and spanned 67 wonderful years.

A Vietnam veteran, Jim trained Thai security forces and proudly served as Bob Hope’s military escort during the USO Christmas show in Korat. After returning home, he studied computers and was assigned to NORAD. He served 22 years in the Air Force before retiring and beginning a second career as a manager with the Washington State Department of Information Services.

Jim had a deep love for community and camaraderie. He was a proud member of the VFW, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Elks, and a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, where he served in the Honor Guard—who will now stand for him one final time.

Adventurous and full of life, Jim was a ski jumping medalist, scuba diver, motorcyclist, hiker, camper, and fisherman. Before retiring, he bought a motorcycle and joined the Goldwing Road Riders, taking a cross-country trip with Barbara to the East Coast and back. In retirement, he led the Phoenix Club chapter, always embracing the next adventure.

Jim passed peacefully at home, just as he wished, with thoughts of reuniting with his beloved grandson, Corey, who preceded him in 2011.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; their children, Cynthia Buttrey (Sedro-Woolley, WA), Dennis Cavalier (Surprise, AZ), Kimberly Carpenter (Olympia, WA), and Ronald Cavalier (West Richland, WA); five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital