SOLD SIGNS & SUNSETS
Meet Your Neighbors - Cindy & Jim Gavin!
Can you introduce your family and share a bit about them, including names and ages?
We are Jim & Cindy Gavin! We have been married 33 years and have three adult children, Amanda, Lauren & Spencer, we have six wonderful grandchildren ranging from 23 to 5 and one on the way this November!
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Where are you and your family originally from, and what brought you here?
We moved to RiverTown in January of 2020. Cindy has been selling real estate since 2002, and after selling several homes in Rivertown, she and Jim decided to make the move to this fantastic community. We moved in right before Covid hit and even though the amenities were limited during that time frame, we loved having all of the walking trails and beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. Jim is originally from Mobile, AL and moved to Jacksonville in 1989. Cindy is a Florida native born in Plant City, Florida. When she was in 6th grade, her family moved to Orange Park, FL
How did you and your spouse meet?
Cindy and Jim met in 1990, while she was working for Southeast Toyota Distributors. Jim was the food salesman for their in-house cafeteria, and they would talk almost daily during her lunch time. Soon, Jim asked her out and the rest is history, they were married on March 9th, 1991.
Do you own a local business?
Cindy is a Broker-Associate/Team Leader with RE/MAX Specialists. She has been serving the NE Florida real estate market for 22 years. Fun fact - half of Cindy's team lives in Rivertown. Jim had over 40 years in the food industry, working the majority of his career with Sysco Foods, and he finished out his career with US Foods. Jim realized his goal of retirement in 2021.
Tell us about your kids - What educational or extracurricular pursuits are your children involved in?
Our daughter Amanda is married to John and they have 3 children, Makayla (who is on Cindy's Real Estate Team), Wiley and Lilly. Amanda is a nurse and John owns a very successful painting business. Daughter Lauren & her husband Ryan made Rivertown their home last year. Lauren is a Realtor with The Cindy Gavin Team and Ryan is a JFRD Lieutenant. Their daughter Ava is entering 6th grade this coming year. Lauren and Ryan are also foster parents to J & D, and are expecting a baby boy in November. Our son Spencer is 28, single and works as a recruiter in the medical field. We are blessed to have all of our kids living in NE Florida, along with Cindy's mom and dad, her sister and brother and their families.
Do you have any pets? Tell us a little bit about them.
Our sweet Daisy is 12 years old. She is a Beagle/Jax Russell mix.
How do you celebrate holidays or special occasions as a family?
We have a very large extended family here, and we celebrate Thanksgiving & Christmas together, and many birthdays. We are a very large group when we get together!
What are your favorite places to visit around the community (restaurants, food markets, shops, parks, clubs, hangout spots, etc.)?
We love the many trails that are within Rivertown, and really enjoy the Riverfront park. Some of our favorite places to eat, are Vito's Italian, Julington Creek Fish Camp and the Blue Crab.
Do you participate in any social activities or events in the neighborhood?
Jim is active in the Men's Bible study that meets on Thursday morning at the Riverhouse. Cindy has participated in the monthly ladies Bunco and various fitness class opportunities.
How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit in the neighborhood? Do you participate in any philanthropic events or work with any charity organizations?
Cindy's real estate team has sponsored the Annual Hope for Lillian Grace Reindeer Run for the past two years. Foster care is also near and dear to us and we support the Isaiah117 Duval House. Isaiah 117 House provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement.
Describe your favorite family memory in the neighborhood so far. What's your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
Last year, we participated in the 4th of July golf cart parade, and that was a lot of fun. The Christmas golf cart parade is also great. The great thing about Rivertown is there is always something going on, and you can do as much or as little as you would like to.