James Kavanaugh, Former Bricklayers Business Manager, Dies at 87

Date Posted: July 31, 2025

Posted In: Organizations, People, Workforce,

James “Jim” Michael Kavanaugh, former business manager of Bricklayers Local 1 died on July 10 at age 87.

His son, Jim Kavanaugh, CEO and co-founder of World Wide Technologies, wrote in a post on Linked-In, “Our dad was strong, tough, direct, and incredibly hardworking. He was a man of deep loyalty and a natural-born leader. But he also had a wild side—especially in his younger years. He loved life, had fun, and never did anything halfway.”

“Born on September 12, 1937, he grew up in North St. Louis City. His parents, Mike and Hannah, immigrated from Ireland with nothing. At just 16, our dad dropped out of high school to become a bricklayer, bringing home his paycheck to help support his family and his younger brother Jack. From that early beginning, he built an extraordinary 45-year career—not only as a highly skilled tradesman but as a respected leader, serving as Business Manager of Bricklayers Local 1.”

“If you don’t show up, don’t come back.”

“Though he was asked multiple times to take on larger roles with the International Union in Washington, D.C., he chose to stay in St. Louis. His loyalty to his roots and to the people around him never wavered. His leadership style was direct and no-nonsense. His motto was simple: ‘If you don’t show up, don’t come back.'”

Kavanaugh Senior retired from the Bricklayers in 1999.

“A Debt of Gratitude”

“He was a great guy who taught me a lot,” said Don Brown, former director of the Bricklayers and Allied Craft Administrative District Council (BAC ADC) of Eastern Missouri. “It was a pleasure working under Jim, and I have a ton of respect for him.”

Current BAC ADC of Eastern Missouri Director Brian Jennewein said Kavanaugh was respected industry-wide.

“Past, present and future members owe Jim a debt of gratitude,” Jennewein said. “Because of his leadership and determination to improve our benefits, our members and their families are better off today.”

In addition to his wife Mary Ann, Mr. Kavanaugh is survived by three children: Michael James; James Patrick; and Peggy Ann (Tom) Gain; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was the beloved older brother of the late Jack Kavanaugh and brother-in-law to the late Kathy Kavanaugh.

There are no services planned.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his name by visiting https://donate.cancer.org.