James Robert "Jim" Caldwell

James Robert Caldwell, age 82, born in Samson, Alabama and resident of Bay Minette, Alabama died on Monday, April 24th, 2023 at his residence surrounded by family. Jim was known to introduce himself as “Gem” and to be quite the historian by all. He was the owner and manager of Sears and Western Auto in Bay Minette and Sears in Florala, Alabama. After they retired, they spent each fall in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and their springs and summers in Gulf Shores, Alabama at their cabin. Jim could be found at Plantation Harbor, fishing, or working on his latest project when not traveling. If there was a gathering, he would be there with a story to entertain all. 

He is survived by his sons, Robert Michael (Dena) Caldwell of Loxley, Alabama and James Craig Caldwell of Fairhope, Alabama; his sister, Jackie Wilson of Samson, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Bobbie Dunn Caldwell of Samson, Alabama; his brother-in-law, Alf Ellis of Samson, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Ruth Ellis of Opp, Alabama; stepbrother-in-law, Don Herring of Dauphin Island, Alabama; stepmother-in-law, Christine Ellis of Samson, Alabama; his five grandchildren: James Craig “Jay” (Courtney) Caldwell, Catherine Eloise “Catie” Caldwell, Elizabeth Louise “Beth” (Connor) Perret, Sarah Catherine Caldwell, and Fairby Grace Caldwell; two great-grandchildren, James Beckham Caldwell and Eloise Mae Perret.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Ellis Caldwell; a brother, Charles Caldwell; a sister, Betty Caldwell Vaughn; sister-in-law, Sue Ellis and brothers-in-law, Bobby Ellis, Harry Wilson and Oscar Vaughn.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Norris Funeral Home with Minister Harry Adkison officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Elba, AL at 3:00 p.m.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. service at Norris Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jay Caldwell, Connor Perret, Walt Wilson, Bob Caldwell, Murray Vaughan, Chris Walden, and Dalton Jerkins. Honorary pallbearers will be The Bay Minette Coffee Club and Samson Friends

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jim’s doctors, nurses, and caregivers over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Bay Minette SAIL Center, 300 Hoyle Ave., Bay Minette, AL 36507.

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