Obituary of James Caldwell

James Frell Caldwell Jr. passed on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at his home in Boone surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 16, 1947 in Cabarrus County to James Frell Caldwell Sr. and Miriam Benfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Caldwell. James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Martha Caldwell of Boone; daughter, Amy and her husband, Matthew Hartig of Mint Hill, North Carolina; son, Brian and his wife, Rachel Caldwell of Youngsville, North Carolina; grandsons, Jackson Hartig, Samuel Hartig and Robert Caldwell; granddaughters, Lily and Claire Caldwell and his sister, Ann Powlas of Salsbury, North Carolina. James attended Appalachian State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology and would go on to earn his master's in Education Administration as well. After teaching in Caldwell County for many years he moved into administration and was principal for many schools in Caldwell County over the years and would serve as a mentor for under-preforming schools in North Carolina. For the last several years of his career, James was a principal in Pender County. He loved genealogy and had several volumes of his findings published, A high school referee for 35 years and devout Atlanta Braves fan, James had a deep love and connection with sports but his greatest passion in life was his family, James Cherished being a Popi to his grandchildren and made many special memories with them at Disney World. He was an involved member at Grace Lutheran Church where he was an usher and council member for many years even serving as former council president. In lieu of flowers, donations made be sent to Watauga Humane Society, Grace Lutheran Church or Medi Home Hospice-Watauga County. A special thanks to all the sitters who took such loving care of Jim Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, January 14, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church, 115 E King St, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Caldwell family.