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Midland, Texas

Jeffrey Caldwell Obituary

Died May 2, 2017 We state the year he was born and the year he died, which are major events, but Jeff's life is in the dash between the years mentioned. Jeffrey S. Caldwell was born to John Ivan Caldwell (John) and Georgiana Mason Caldwell (Gena) in March 25, 1955. He was raised in Midland, Texas. First, he went to Sam Houston Elementary, then San Jacinto, then to Edison, and finally Midland High School where he graduated. He played third base and his team became State Champions in 1973. He was also a Midland High Cheerleader in his senior year. Jeff remained great friends with many from his school years and went on to Texas Tech then to the University of Texas. Jeff, if you knew him well, loved his family and loved his friends. He still has so many friends from earlier years, the family finds it amazing. His passion in life was photography which led him to travel many parts of the world. He ended up in Hawaii, living there for 20 years. He worked with many talented artists who were masters in their field. He absorbed from each of these artists and became a master photographer himself. His works are spread all over the world. Jeff will be missed by so many. Jeff was a great-grandson to grandfather John Ivan Caldwell (John) and Willie Kesterson Caldwell (Billie) and also grandson to Mason Braselton. Jeff was also an awesome brother to brother #1 John Ivan Caldwell (Trey), who passed in 1996, to brother #3 Stephen Cody Caldwell and, finally, to brother #4, the youngest, Cary Mason Caldwell. Jeff was an amazing brother to whom we all looked up to. Jeff was also a great uncle to his niece Anna Novell Caldwell and to his great-niece Everly Novell Goodson. Jeff's viewing will be on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Ellis Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service at Resthaven Memorial Park on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The family would like to thank Dr. Bartha and Dr. Miller, all of Jeff's friends and all or ours. ALOHA Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Reporter-Telegram on May 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Caldwell

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Anthony Lilly

January 26, 2018

When I moved to Honolulu in 1991 I was a chef a The Hyatt Regency in Waikiki, and at that point I wasn't a photographer. In 1992, I moved in to share rent with our mutual friend Goddard who was another one of a kind. I met JC at Goddards and he told me my Art was great, I did realistic pencil portraits. He said, you should use the camera to help you. JC took me to the set of a television show he was the set photographer on, Cheryl Ladd's One West Waikiki. He said when we arrived on set to enjoy myself but be cool. I watched him go off and make pictures. I was looking for Cheryl,then all of a sudden she sat down right next to me! I saw JC smile at me. Cheryl was kind and I was beside myself. Later that week I began using the camera. We stayed in touch after I moved from Hawaii. I began doing head shots for everyone from Jackie Chan to Caroll Spinney on Sesame Street. I produce television and motion pictures now,and would never had gone down this path without the friendship of JC. I love and miss him terribly. I feel a loss so great that I feel a part of me definitely died with him. I love you my brother.

Tip Kirwan

May 31, 2017

JAYCEE was in a word a lot of fun. Very talented athletically, socially, artistically and mentally. Friendly and thoughtful! I certainly want to see his pictures of heaven!

Jack Nichols

May 28, 2017

I first met Jeff in the late 70's when I first moved to Austin Tx, along with a menagery of characters, tennis players, and good ole boys from Midland & Odessa! I always loved how Jeff was with everyone!
When he talked he always sounded like he was handing out (state secrets) in the form of sagely advise...
Ran into Jeff many times through the decades, always fascinated by his ever evolving artistic talents, and his Hawaiian adventures!! I was a big fan of his photography and thought him a unique in his own right! He lived a rich full life and I considered him my brother...

(I remember going to Cody's funeral with David Parks in 96, I was amazed by the love and friendship Jeff's brothers and all the families exuded!
Seems like just the other day...)

Christopher Rogers

May 11, 2017

Jeff's infectious passion for film, art and photography inspired so many to push well beyond their God given talents and achieve more than they ever believed possible. I can still hear his casual reminders to me in Marie Dressler's words, "You're only as good as your last picture." Thank you, Jeff. Rest well my friend.

David Foster

May 11, 2017

Another good one I will miss. Jeff and I have been friends since we played north central little league baseball back in mid sixties. he came to New Braunfels often to see family so we were able to keep in touch, All Debi and my Love to the family. Buddy you touch all the bases and we will have a good pick-up game when we come to join you.

Brooke Mayes

May 10, 2017

OMG Jeff!! Dear Caldwells... I was so sorry to hear about Jeff. I heard he was in Midland when it happened. God bless him. I've know the Caldwells for a long, long time. High School. Take care everyone.

Sheree Levens

May 8, 2017

I knew Jeff over 40 years. Every single time I saw him, he brightened my day. What a gift he was for everyone. He will be missed.
Sending love and prayers to his family.

Laura Lynn

May 8, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Caldwell family, so saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Jeff, what a talented sweet soul who always made me laugh! So many good memories from our days in Austin! He will be missed but never forgotten! Here's a song for Jeff, "Aloha 'Oe", Farewell to Thee, until we meet again"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrhAuEeyCao

Connie Hargrave

May 8, 2017

Gena & boys I was sad to hear about Jeff ... I know he will be missed by many ... wish I was there to see all of you ... I pray God will give you peace & help thru this hard time ... love , Connie Hargrave & family

Gwynne & Pat Vaughan

May 8, 2017

We met Jeff several times over the years at his parents, and were always amazed at his skill with a camera. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Love, Gwynne & Pat Vaughan, New Braunfels, Texas

Matthew Curry

May 8, 2017

JC was gifted in so many ways, the world was a better place while he was here. He added insight to all conversations, what a mind he had. He had so many friends because he was so much fun to around. Love to the Caldwell family who has endured so much loss.

Ken Zoller

May 8, 2017

I remember playing Little League baseball against Jeff (and Trey) in Cowden Park. He graduated a year behind me at MHS. What a fun guy to be around! We shared a love for photography and exchanged a few messages about it on Facebook in recent years. I'm saddened by his loss and want to express my condolences to his family. RIP, JC.

Kelly Burris

May 7, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Gina, Cody, Cary, & Anna. Jeff was a fabulous soul that will be missed by many. Very glad for our road trip from CL to Midland years back. He is with Johnny now, and they are both whole again!

Loreen Broom

May 7, 2017

Cary - I never met Jeffrey but my friend, Dayna did and they immediately bonded - sorry I didn't get the opportunity to meet him. I am so very sorry for your loss. Bless you and all your family.
Loreen

John Pinto

May 7, 2017

Jeff aka JC..was one of my best friends after meeting him in Austin, Texas when I moved there in the late 1970's..He worked with me on my video production projects on Texas history, was a partner with me on an industrial matting company that we founded and was a kindred spirit that would give the shirt off his back for you. I spoke to him on Friday a few days before his death..never realizing that this would be our last conversation on this earth. Jeff was a very talented and creative person always trying to please everyone..He and I kept in touch even after I moved back to my home state of New York in 1992. You will be missed my friend, by me and I will always hold fond memories of you and our time together...God bless you brother...

Kelly Dowdle Groll

May 7, 2017

Jeff has always been like a member of my family, and loved by the whole family. You are a very special person Jeff and will be missed by so so many. You will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always love you Jeff Caldwell. Rest in Peace my friend.

Betjh Rodgers Murphy

May 7, 2017

I know Jeff is smiling that smile of his for all his friends and family. RIP, my old friend.

Lee & Dinah Rodgers

May 5, 2017

We only learned of Jeff's passing when we visited his Facebook page today. Jeff worked for us at our dive shop back in the 90's in Hawaii. He was a warm and gentle soul with a wit that endeared him to everyone he met. We are so saddened by his loss. After reconnecting with him on Facebook in 2012, we hoped to cross paths with him again someday and reminisce about all the wacky times we shared. God rest your soul Jeffrey Caldwell. We loved you.

Brian Rowe

May 5, 2017

I am sorry to hear you have left us. Your life was short, but exciting. I always enjoyed your Facebook posts. We were classmates for many years. In fact, I think we first met at Jack and Jill Kindergarten circa 1960, and graduated from MHS together in 1973.

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Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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