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James William Caldwell, Jr.
James William Caldwell, Jr.
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James Caldwell, Jr. Obituary
He will be deeply missed by his wife Trudi, his children Caroline (Mark), James (Laura), Kathleen, and Brian (Melissa), and his grandchildren Jack, Neeva, Daniel, Lily and Alice.
A towering 6'10 native of North Carolina, Jim was a star at Lawrenceburg, IN High School before becoming a standout player at Georgia Tech where he earned Academic All-American honors.
Jim played professional basketball from 1965-1969 for the New Jersey Americans, Kentucky Colonels, New York Knicks, Eastern League Wilmington Blue Bombers, and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was the 25th overall pick in the 1965 NBA Draft. He averaged 9 rebounds and nearly 8 points a game during the first season of the ABA and went off for a season high 27 points on 3/9/68 against Denver, after being traded to the Kentucky Colonels.
Jim's first real job was at Merrill Lynch as a stock broker. During this time, he began to coach a basketball team at Sullivan College, a local business college in Kentucky. After about two years, he decided to work at Sullivan College full time teaching Business Math, Business Management, and Accounting. Jim eventually started a long and enjoyable career in Food Service Purchasing, working for Krystal Co., Church's Chicken, Domino's Pizza, Long John Silvers, Wendy's Corp. and Burger King.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed music, reading, the Wordle, cheering on his Atlanta sports teams, dinners out with Trudi, and spending time with his grandchildren.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Willie's Hidden Valley Lake, 19325 Schmarr Drive, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 on June 4th from 1-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org) or All About Cats Rescue & Adoption in Roswell, GA (https://allaboutcatsrescue.org/donate)
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Don Vlcek
June 1, 2023
What a great smile he always had - a reflection of what was on the inside. Even tho he had to balance the needs/desires of franchisees, suppliers, teammates, and corporate (often in a someone-isn't-going to get what they want situation), he worked hard to find win-wins for all - doing so with that great smile and a 'water off a duck's back' attitude. I have missed that smile, I have missed him. But am thankful that our paths thru life merged to create fond memories :)
David Materne
May 30, 2023
So sorry to hear this news. I remember Jim from my days at Domino's. He was easy to see over the low cubicle walls at DPD. Always smiling. Condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.
David Materne.
Karen Cottrell-Gatt
May 29, 2023
So sorry to hear about Jim. Had the pleasure of working with him at Domino´s. Alway had a smile for me in the morning when I walked pass is desk.
George Ralph
May 29, 2023
So sorry to hear about Jim. I had the pleasure of working with him at Domino´s Pizza and he was one of the best. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
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Gerald Bussell
May 4, 2023
We played freshman basketball together at Ga Tech. A good man. Gerry Bussell
Rhonda Rolph
April 30, 2023
I remember Jim from our work life at Domino´s. A wonderful man who always had a smile and kind word for anyone. Rest in Peace.
Tom Van Esley
April 29, 2023
My first memory of my first day of work at Domino's was seeing Jim in the lobby. He was impressive, not only for his size, but his gregarious nature. We worked together for many year (Jim in Purchasing and myself in QA). Enjoyed he company on many business trips. We golfed every Saturday for years at Fox Hills. This is where I learned he was a Math Major (he knew everyone's stroke count/no point in trying to shave your score). I used to tease him that he once shared the company (playing cards) with the likes of Bill Russell, but now had to suffer the indignity of golfing with a "duffer" like me. He always made me feel like I wasn't one. Great Man just to be around. God's Peace Buddy
Phil Roberts
April 28, 2023
I'm very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I first met him while he was playing for the Kentucky Colonels in the old ABA. Later I was a student at Sullivan College when he taught and coached there after his playing days. He taught my Business Math, Business Management and some of my Accounting classes. He was outgoing, friendly and a great guy to be around during those days at Sullivan. Since it was a small college, everyone knew everyone. Jim was very well liked by all the students. While he was the Head Coach, Sullivan's basketball team won at least one national championship for small colleges that I can remember. I've often wondered what became of him. It's good to see he went on to have a very productive and happy life.
American Heart Association
April 27, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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