Dr. James Matthew Cahill, Jr. was 56 years of age when he passed away Monday, January 30th in Tallahassee. His passing was unexpected and far too soon, but his legacy lives on through his wife, Maria Abadal Cahill, and two children, Karlena (Karly) Maria Cahill and James (Jack) Abadal Cahill; as well as his four brothers: Chris, Guy, Mick, and Tim Cahill. James was born in Blue Island, Illinois to James Matthew Cahill Sr. and Barbara J. Cahill. Being a Chicago native, he was naturally a Cubs fan-It gives his family a sense of peace to know that he got to see the Cubs win a World Series title after 108 years. James got his Bachelors at Illinois State and went on to Jacksonville, Florida to get his Masters at University of North Florida. While in Jacksonville he worked as a teacher teaching middle and high school students in architectural design, fine furniture and cabinetmaking, and antique reproductions. One of his main hobbies was carpentry and building his own furniture, he built a lot of his furniture that is in his home today. James eventually settled in Tallahassee where he got his Doctorate in Education at Florida State University. James retired in 2014 after working for the State of Florida for 30 years in the Departments of Education and Lottery. James and Maria were married in 1994 and his daughter, Karlena, was born in 1996, and his son, James, born in 1998. James was very proud of his two kids and all of their accomplishments, instilling in them the importance of education. He always supported his kids in playing sports, from helping Jack with baseball by playing catch, to building a balance beam in the backyard so Karly could practice her gymnastics. Some of the best memories surrounding James were listening in the car to Johnny Cash, which was always one of his favorite artists.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or to the FSU College of Education General Development Fund in memory of James Matthew Cahill, Jr.
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