James Caldwell

James Henry (Jim) Caldwell went to be with the Lord Monday morning, January 12, 2009. His life covered 90 remarkable years.Jim was born August 8, 1918 in Amarillo, Texas to Joseph William and Minnie Mae Caldwell, who preceded him in death, along with three sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Verna Mae and two daughters: Sandra Sivage and husband Vernon of Jinja, Uganda and Lana Stahl and husband John of Pearland, Texas; five grandchildren, Amy Klein and husband Brad of Siliguri, India; Maj. James Stahl and wife Kimberly of Navarre, Florida; Keri Bird and husband Brant of Pleasonton, Texas; John David Stahl and wife Marisa of Pearland, Texas and Jeremy Stahl and wife Nikki also of Pearland, Texas. He also has 9 beautiful great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Toby Bird, Lindsey, Timothy and Micah Klein and Jack, Kate, Ava and London Stahl. Jim is also survived by one sister, Elizabeth Harper of Coeur-d-Alene, Idaho.Jim proudly served his country for 10 years, nine of which were in the newly formed Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force. He liked to tell the story about 300 first sergeants being requisitioned to serve overseas. Once the 300 arrived in England, they discovered that an error had been made and there was only a place for 30, so they had 270 first sergeants doing KP and other duties that normally the privates would do.Jim and Verna Mae moved to Midland in 1951. He was an Electronics Technician for Mobil Oil until he retired in 1981. They were charter members of Crestview Baptist, where he served as a deacon and they continue to serve and attend faithfully.Jim was an avid golfer, traveler and die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. His retirement years were spent at Hogan Golf Course where he arrived first thing in the morning every weekday to join his friends for a round of golf. He also spent his time making and repairing golf clubs for his fellow golfers when he wasn't traveling to Africa to see his daughter, or to India to see his granddaughter, or going to Hawaii for his grandson's wedding or taking his wife on a cruise.Jim's smile and twinkle in his eye told his story. He was loved by all and would do anything for anyone at any time. He gave selflessly of his time, talents and money whenever there was a need. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, January 16, 2009 at Crestview Baptist Church in Midland with Rev. Ty Morris and Dr. John Gerlach, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 10:00am, Friday, January 16, 2009 at Serenity Memorial Gardens in Midland with Dr. Vernon Sivage, Jim's son-in-law, officiating.Honorary pallbearers will be James Stahl, John David Stahl, Jeremy Stahl, Charles Herring, Jesse Roberson and Clovis Moore.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Uganda Baptist Seminary, c/o Crestview Baptist Church, 3300 Thomas, Midland, TX 79703.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,