James Duncan (Jim) Caldwell, Sr. of Kingsland, TX passed away on February 17, 2006 at age 68. He was born in Dallas, Texas on November 11, 1937 to James Hogg Caldwell and Cathryn Duncan Caldwell.
He had resided in Kingsland for the past 30 years, moving here from Dallas and was a Texas Silver-Haired Legislator for District Four.
Jim was the director of the Llano County Food Pantry, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingsland.
He is survived by his daughter, Alexa Caldwell, of Newport Beach, CA; his son, James D. Caldwell, Jr. and wife, Dena, and grandchildren Taylor Mackenzie Caldwell and Karlee Rae Caldwell of Huntington Beach, CA.
A memorial service and celebration of his life was held Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at First Baptist Church of Kingsland, with Rep Tony Goolsby, a long-time friend telling stories about Jim and his experiences, and Rev. Doug Lindley officiating/ Rev. Lindley used 2 Timothy 4:6-8 as being descriptive of Jim and his life: …and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. …
Eulogy by Carlos Higgins
A Celebration of Life service for Jim Caldwell was held yesterday (March 15, 2006)in Kingsland. Here’s how fitting and well done the service was. As you all must know, Jim smoked. He smoked a lot! But Jim would have appreciated this service and the gathering of his friends so much –he would not even have thought about taking one of his frequent smoke breaks.
Jim’s favorite preacher conducted the service. Pastor Doug Lindley’s respect and admiration for Jim was apparent. Jim’s life-long friend, Texas State Representative Tony Goolsby, delivered a warm-hearted eulogy. He began his remarks with a promise, with eyes lifted up to Jim: that – not to worry – he wasn’t going to tell everything he knew about Jim.
The Honorable Jim Caldwell – Texas Silver-Haired Legislator
In this life, when Jim was present, it wasn’t long before everyone else present knew who Jim was. That was true in Jim’s countless visits to the state Capitol on behalf of Texas senior citizens. Here’s just one example:
Jim and I testified many times before Texas Legislative Committees. My testimony was generally straightforward and to the point. Committee members would listen respectfully. When Jim testified, he’d make the same point, but with humor, gusto and a down-to-earth delivery. They not only listened to Jim, they (along with the audience) frequently rolled with laughter, and everyone remembered Jim. And they remembered his message.