James Patrick Cahill

James Patrick Cahill, 83, died peacefully in his home on October 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his wife, Helen Judith Nolan Cahill (Judy), his daughter, Maura Cahill Merlis, son-in-law, Steven Elliott Merlis, and four grandchildren, Daniel Patrick, Bruce Andrews, Charles Nolan and Caroline Cahill Merlis.

Jim was born on March 11, 1942 in Providence, RI, the only child of James George and Mary Andrews Cahill. Growing up in a Catholic, Polish-Irish household, he had a lively childhood spending much time at the fire station with his father - a career firefighter, playing hockey on frozen ponds, lifeguarding at the beaches in Rhode Island, and attending La Salle Academy. Jim attended Boston College, graduating in 1964. Freshman year, he met the love of his life, Judy, at a mixer, and they married on July 23, 1966. During his senior year, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served our country from 1964-1968. He is a decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War where he served with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and was promoted to the rank of Captain. After the USMC, Jim’s career in sales took him and Judy coast to coast from Rowayton, CT to Palos Verdes, CA. It was in California where their only child, Maura, was born in 1978. They were a bonded pair, and he was a devoted father. The family returned to their New England roots, spending some of their happiest years in Manchester, MA and Darien, CT, before Jim and Judy moved south to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Jim enjoyed lifelong friendships, tennis, paddle and squash, and many years in proximity to the Bruins, Red Sox, and BC Eagles. He was very proud of his son-in-law, “Atty. Merlis,” and cherished his role as a grandfather. Affectionately known as “Hey,” his grandchildren adored Hey’s humor and character, his interest in contemplating the bigger questions in life, competition and sports, and cuddling next to him for his reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” each Christmas Eve. In his final chapter, Jimmy profoundly appreciated the care provided to him by Judy and a special team from Community Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ponte Vedra Beach on November 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with honors. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Fisher House Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory.