A light went out with the passing of Jim Kavanagh, 73, on January 18, 2016. Jim was born on April 19, 1942 in Dallas, Texas, to James and Michelina (Butera) Kavanagh.
Jim was the rarest of men: strong, reliable, trustworthy, giving and caring, with a set of principles that could not be compromised, especially when it concerned the welfare of children.
He touched everyone in a special way because he possessed a unique quality of humility that made people always feel better about themselves, either with children he worked with over the years, co-workers, friends and anyone who had the opportunity to meet and spend a moment with him. His children considered him the “rock” of the family who was always there to guide them, raise them up and strengthen them.
He was a true Texan, who loved hunting, fly-fishing, skeet shooting, collecting guns, riding his motorcycle and fast cars, such as his 1972 Camaro. His great love was his farm near Rising Star, where he found serenity and peace. He was always grateful to James Burcham for helping him to make it such a heavenly place.
His professional life was all about helping people, first with emotionally disturbed children as counselor, eventually becoming the Executive Director of the prestigious Salesmanship Club Youth Programs in Dallas. In 1998, he moved to San Angelo to become the President of West Texas Boys Ranch, where he implemented new procedures, program changes and protocols to ensure a dynamic and safe environment for children. After the completion of his contract commitment he was named President Emeritus. At the end of his 42 year career of helping others, his credentials included Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Child Care Administrator (LCCA), and Advanced Clinical Practitioner. He served on many boards and committees, including the American Psychiatric Association in Washington D.C., and wrote the standards for Therapeutics Wilderness Programs.
Jim is survived by his wife Ingrid of 32 years and his two children, son Jim III, daughter Charlotte, their mother Jeanne Willineham and grandchildren Angelina and Jimmy; his sister Mickey Rudman and longtime friend Anne Kelsey; Cousin Ann Buckmann; his stepchildren David Fields, Massai Fields and his daughter Madison, Charlene and husband Paul Johnston, their children Alec and Andrew; his longtime friend Buzz Dicken and his family; a dear and loyal friend, Sandy Mauro and her mother Lou; valued friend David Yarbrough, special thanks to our neighbors Bob and Connie Hicks, and many kindred spirits right here in San Angelo.
His family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo, especially his nurses Pamela, Jeannie, social worker DeAnna and Shawna for their tireless and loving care given to both Jim and his wife Ingrid. We thank all of our friends in San Angelo, Dallas and other places for their prayers and support. It helped more than can be imagined. A special “thank you” to Dr. Chris Barnett, who has been Jim’s family physician for many years.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to share your love for Jim by contributing to Hospice of San Angelo, the West Texas Box Ranch, The Salesmanship in Dallas, The American Cancer Association or the charity of your choice.
Visitation to honor Jim will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, January 29, at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo. A Memorial Service will be held at the farm on Saturday, January 30, where his ashes will be taken.

Claudia J. Ayers, 92, affectionately known as Nibbs, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2016. A family visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A private burial will be held in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. Nibbs was born January 30, 1923 in Van Buren, AK. She was full of life and laughter. She never met a stranger and always had a smile on her face. A longtime member of the DAV, Nibbs volunteered at Wilford Hall Hospital at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. She was always able to brighten the day of the patients and staff. A woman of faith, she knew the words to every hymn. Nibbs came to San Angelo in 2008 to be with her sister-in-law and partner in mischief, Ladelle Ayers Carter and niece, Cindy Martin Baker. She was preceded in death by her husband John Alton Ayers and her sons, Clifford and Glenn Pond. She has one daughter Dianne Woodruff. Nibbs is survived by her best friend, Ladelle Ayers Carter; close friends Nancy and Sam Morton; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Hill, Lelia Pate and Bettye Ayers, and many loving nieces and nephews

LEORIA B. MILLER, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at her home in San Angelo, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.

Lee was born on November 29, 1927, in Abilene, Texas, to Ernest L. Smith and Georgia B. Smith and graduated from Wiley High School in 1944. In 1964, she moved to San Angelo where she was employed for many years in the banking industry. She worked at various times for Texas Bank, Southwest Bank and Central National Bank. She was well known and highly regarded for her banking skills and the personal attention she gave her customers. While living in San Angelo, she met and married Franklin N. Miller in 1974. They enjoyed 30 years together until his death in 2004.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings and husband Franklin N. Miller. She is survived by her sister Louise Wishcamper of Abilene, TX, children Diane Soloff (Court) of San Angelo and Daniel Fowler (Nancy) of Kooskia, ID. Also surviving are grandchildren Julie Jewell (Larry) and Kevin Dierschke of San Angelo, Missy Huling (Grant) of Leander, TX, Shanna Beth Fowler of Rock Springs, TX, Trevor Soloff (Connie) of Apex, NC, Ashleigh Soloff of Fairfax, VA, ten great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, her former husband and friend Gus Fowler (Laquida) and her beloved canine companion "Bonsai". 
The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care provided by the Doctors, Nurses and staff of the San Angelo Community Medical Center, The Springs, the Senior Care Center and Hospice of San Angelo, all of whom were so kind and compassionate during these past few months. Her final days were made especially comfortable by round the clock care from Dorothy, Carolyn and Marilyn.
Visitation will be at Johnson's Funeral Home from 6:00 till 8:00 pm Thursday, January 21. Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 22, at 10:30 am at Fairmount Cemetery with Pastor Mills Caraway officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of San Angelo.

Clay John Keeney, 95, of San Angelo, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016 in San Angelo. He was born to the late, Oscar and Maud Word Keeney on November 30, 1920 in Menard County, Texas. Clay married Ethel Wilson on January 23, 1942. He was a member of Johnson Street Church of Christ. Clay retired after over 40 years of civil service with Goodfellow AFB. He was a member of the International Lion's Club. He enjoyed traveling and camping as well as spending time at his lake house in Colorado City. He could fix just about anything. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Survivors include his sons, Don Keeney and his wife, Betty, and Kenneth Keeney and his wife, Linda; four grandchildren, Jennifer Hoelscher, Jayland Keeney, Kris Keeney and Keith Keeney; six great grandchildren, Kanton, Katie, Cole, Carter, Cami, and Case; sister, Dorothy Henry and her husband, Travis; brother, Sam Keeney and his wife, Mary Lee; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in the Eldorado Cemetery. Dr. Tommy King will officiate. Those unable to attend services may stop by the funeral home to sign the guestbook on Tuesday.