Jeffery Cavana

Jeffery Jay Cavana, born on January 24, 1957, passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 67.

Jeff was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Milton and Jane Cavana. He graduated from Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Kentucky where he was a multisport athlete, being the captain of the swim team and the quarterback of the football team. He then attended Western Kentucky University where he was a four-year letterman on the swim team and captained his senior year. From there, he went on to have a lasting impact on the swimming and athletic community through decades of coaching. Jeff launched his career as a swim coach at Highland High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, before moving to Wright State University where he was inducted into the Wright State Hall of Fame. He then joined LSU as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach. During his time at LSU, he had the honor of being selected as the Olympic swimming coach for Jamaica at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. After having his fourth child, Jeff focused on family where he put his wife and four sons at the forefront of his life. Jeff enjoyed supporting his boys’ athletic and academic endeavors, being extremely involved in their lives.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 27 years, Helen Cavana; and sons, Jake Cavana, Sion Cavana, Ian Cavana, and Max Cavana.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Jane Cavana; and brother, James (previous wife, Joan) Cavana.

Visitation will take place at St. George Catholic Church on Friday, September 13, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. Burial to follow at the church’s cemetery with reception in the church’s Kleinpeter Activity Center 1:30-3:30PM. 

Friends and family unable to attend the service may go to St. George's YouTube Channel to watch a livestream of the service.

The family would like to give special thanks to the medical professionals at the BR General Emergency Room, Dr. Roy Culotta and the ICU staff at the General, the ICU staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Donald Brignac. Also, a special thanks to the St. George Church community, the entire Baton Rouge community, and all the family and friends from out of state and country for their outpouring love and support for Jeff and the family.