James Thomas Gaughan

James Thomas Gaughan passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, April 16, 2023. He was born on December 17, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to Anthony and Catherine Gaughan, who emigrated from Ireland in the early 20th century. He attended Our Lady of Peace grammar school and Mount Carmel High School. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1960.

He was an Air Force veteran, serving stateside during the Korean War. He had a fulfilling career with the Internal Revenue Service and received multiple awards and commendations for his contributions. He retired in 1990 after 32 years of service.

On May 12, 1962, James married Janet Karyl Barrowman and they were married for 35 years until her death in 1997. On July 31, 1999, he married Madeline Masin Gaughan, who survives him.

Jim was an avid Notre Dame sports fan and a voracious reader who never stopped learning. After retiring, he pursued multiple interests, many of which focused on service and charity. He volunteered at the local homeless center. He volunteered his expertise in tax filing to those in need. He sold real estate, was an usher at Notre Dame events, and loved working at the St. Joseph County Library where he delivered interlibrary loans to libraries and schools. He was actively involved in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and was accomplished in legislative advocacy for the organization.

He was a continual student, attending Forever learning Institute and studying theology, history, and literature. He had a keen understanding of current events. His innate curiosity served him well as he traveled with Madeline around the country and the world.

Jim is survived by his wife, Madeline, daughters Cynthia Gaughan and Kristina Barnes (Kyle), his son Patrick Gaughan (Casey), stepdaughters Melissa Masin and Melanie Masin-Moyer (Fran), his grandchildren Olivia Savage (Austin), Simon Gaughan, Lucas Masin-Moyer, Nina Masin- Moyer, and Telly Hurtgen, and his great-grandson Everett Michael Savage.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells).  There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:oo am Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 19. 2023, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the South Bend Center for the Homeless. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the Penn Township Fire Department and the doctors, nurses, and staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for their exceptional care and dedication.