Jim Caldwell

James Bramlitt Caldwell Jr. (Jim) was born on February 27, 1940, in Conroe, Texas and raised in West Columbia, Texas. He graduated with honors from West Columbia High School in 1958 where he excelled in academics, weightlifting, football, track, and band. Jim furthered his education at the University of Texas earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1962, as well as being a member of the football and track teams his freshman year, and the weightlifting team throughout his college career.

Jim married Linda Rhea Riley on October 15, 1964, at the First Methodist Church in Santa Anna, Texas. He first crossed paths with Linda at a high school marching band contest. Jim played trumpet for the West Columbia Roughnecks. He set eyes on Linda while she was performing as Drum Major for the Santa Anna Mountaineers, telling his band mates, “That’s the girl I am going to marry.” Years later they met for the first time in a pharmacy class at UT, and the rest is history.

Jim’s enduring legacy as a beloved community figure began when he and his wife, Linda, moved to Coleman, Texas and purchased Cross Pharmacy in 1968. This was the beginning of a long and happy career as a community pharmacist. They later purchased Owl Drug Store in 1977 and Tyson Pharmacy in 2017. Jim transformed Owl Drug into a cherished destination for local townspeople and visitors from afar. His warm personality and kindness forged countless friendships over the years. He was an exceptional pharmacist and businessman who also generously served as a resource for pharmacists and independent pharmacies regionally and throughout Texas.

Jim was a Registered Pharmacist in the State of Texas for 63 years maintaining an active status with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) from 1962 throughout his lifetime. In 2012, he was awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition by the TSBP acknowledging his 50 Years of long-standing service in the Pharmacy profession. He was recently recognized by the National Community Pharmacists Association for 50 years of membership as a testament to his commitment to Independent Pharmacy, which he loved.

Jim was a faithful Christian man. He attended both the First Christian Church and First Baptist Church in Coleman; along with attending the Men’s Downtown Sunday School Class. He was a tremendous father and loving husband. He had a lifelong passion for all sports and in particular weightlifting, holding many state and national titles and records as a champion powerlifter, along with being the third strongest man in the world in his weight class at one point during his powerlifting career. He mentored many young men over the years in weightlifting and life lessons in his home gym. He was an Eagle Scout, a proud Lifetime Coleman Bluecat Booster, and served on the Board of the Coleman Chamber of Commerce for many years. Music was a very important part of Jim’s life. He enjoyed singing, playing piano and the trumpet. He loved all kinds of music, and anyone who knew Jim knew that there was a special place in his heart for Elvis Presley. One of his favorite hobbies was rebuilding and customizing high-performance cars, especially Mopar hot rods. He was known to drag race and even win a few. He and Linda rescued too many animals to count over their 60 years together. They were never without an animal that needed a good home.

James Bramlitt Caldwell, Jr. passed away on May 17, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas at the age of 85. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda of Coleman, his daughter, Cathy Allen and husband Zac of Coleman, his son Jim B. Caldwell and wife Kelli of Arlington, several grandchildren: Riley Caldwell and wife Bethany, Trevor Caldwell and wife Nathalie, Garrett Caldwell and fiancé Mahan Karimi, Morgan Petty and husband Braden, and Abigail Allen, and great grandchildren: Louie Caldwell and Addison York, and brother and sister in law, Joe and Susie Riley. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Bramlitt Caldwell Sr. and Chloe Rhoades Caldwell, his son Joe Riley Caldwell, and his brother Elwood Caldwell.

Relationships were important to Jim. He had many beloved cousins, family members as well as childhood friends that he remained very close to throughout his lifetime. He was affectionately known as “Jimmy Jr.” to them. He always held the employees at Owl Drug Store in high esteem, many of whom were/are trusted long-term staff that became lifelong friends. That same sentiment is true for the generations of people he cared for as a pharmacist.

Jim was generous and kind with his family, friends and strangers alike. He had a wonderful sense of humor and genuine zest for life. Most of all, he loved his family and cheering them on in all their endeavors. Jim Caldwell will be remembered for his loving, giving spirit and his impact on the lives of those around him.

Ladies and Gentlemen… Elvis has left the building

The family will host a visitation from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Friday, May 23, 2025, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman. Family and friends are invited to a graveside funeral service at 10:30 am Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Santa Anna Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Caldwell family by signing the guestbook on Jim’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Caldwell family.