James Callaway

James Wesley Callaway was born on August 27, 1921 to Glen and Myrtle Callaway in Cisco, Texas. He went “upstairs” to meet his maker on October 31, 2009 at his home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 3rd from 6-8 at Piersall Funeral Directors 733 Butternut Street in Abilene and the graveside service will be held in Cisco on Wednesday, November 4th at 2 pm.

James grew up on a farm in the Cisco area. He attended schools in Cottonwood, Bluff Branch, Moran and Cisco often riding his beloved horse Bess.

James served in the army during WW11 in the 581st Motor Ambulance Co. and took part in the invasion of Normandy, earning the Good Conduct Medal, several campaign medals as well as five Bronze stars. In 1997 he was awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal from the people of France for his participation in the D-Day invasion. James loved his country and remained very patriotic until his death.
Upon his return he married his longtime sweetheart Wilma Rae Exum on December 24, 1945 in Dallas, Texas. He attended Cisco Junior College under the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1949. They lived in Cisco, Haskell and Abilene raising three children along the way.

During his lifetime he had several different occupations, but was most often a truck driver. James retired from McCallister Oil Company after 37 years.

He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, loved to travel with his family in their motor home, especially spontaneous “no destination” weekend drives. James enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash and was always up for a good game of canasta.

Preceding James in death were his parents and a brother, Floyd Ray Callaway.

James will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Leola Johnson of Abilene and Glenda Callaway of Norman Oklahoma, his wife of 63 years Wilma, son James Laurence Callaway and former wife Elaine Robinson, daughters Betty Jo Reyes and Bonell Templin and husband Jerry. He was a wonderful grandpa and great-grandpa and will be deeply missed by Jennifer Schroedter and husband Troy, their daughters Shae, Kora, and Baylee, Kyla Callaway and husband Terry Hadley, their children Jordon, David and Cheyenne, John Reyes and wife Abigail Combs, their son Julian, Starla Callaway, her children Justin, Brandon, Dakotah and Destiny, Jeremy Templin and wife Brittiany Olson, their daughter Rylea, Christina Rollins and husband Aaron, their daughters Ciera and Savannah, Jamie Love and husband Jonathan, their daughter, Paradice, Casey and Caribbean, Ashleigh Templin her daughters Keltie and Kaitlan Templin, as well as a host of extended family members and friends.
Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandsons.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Harold Christian for making his 88th birthday so special, Hendrick Hospice Care, especially Joan and Debbie for all their help during his last days, the heart clinic, especially Sherri Riney for caring for James with such kindness and compassion. Words can never express our gratitude to Dr. Robbie Cooksey and his nurse Liz for treating James with such dignity, respect and love and for providing excellent medical care through the years.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com. Contributions may be made in honor of Mr. James Callaway to Hendrick Hospice Care 1682 Hickory, 79601.