The Caldwell News & The Burleson County Ledger

Caldwell, Texas, June 1, 1928

 Prominent Caldwell Business Man and Churchman Dies

Identified with the commercial and religious interests of county

 for a number of years.  Was widely known throughout county

Gwilyn Eynon James

Submitted by:  Will James

   One of the saddest and most deplorable deaths to have occurred in Caldwell in several weeks, was the death of Mr. G. E. James, which occurred early Friday morning, May 25, in a Temple sanitarium where he had gone only a few days before for a special medical treatment.  Mr. James was ill only a few prior to his death.  He was operated upon for a disorder of the stomach with the confident hope of effecting a cure.  On account of his serious condition, he grew gradually worse, and early Friday morning succumbed to the malady that gripped him.

   Friday afternoon his remains were brought to Caldwell by rail and placed in state in the family home until the following afternoon, when appropriate funeral services were held, following which his body was laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.  Rev. W. O. Wright, pastor of the Baptist church conducted the services.  He was assisted by Rev. W. W. Burr, Baptist Missionary Evangelist of Burleson - Lee Counties, and E. E. Carrington, pastor of the Providence Church.

   Mr. James was born in the state of Illinois, March 22, 1859.   When seventeen years of age, he immigrated to Texas along with his parents and settled in Rockdale, Milam County.  One year later he moved with his parents to Burleson County and settled near Caldwell.  At maturity he became engaged in the mercantile business and became one of the leading merchants of the county.  At the date of his death, he was associated with G. H. Shaw in the electric and plumbing business.  For several years he had been closely identified with the business interests of the county and was widely known.

   Besides being prominent in business, Mr. James made an enviable record in church denominational affairs.  He was a consistent member of the Baptist church of this city and one of its foremost workers and benefactors.  For many long years he served the church in numerous capacities.  He contributed much of his time to church work.  He made a record that few laymen ever attain.  For thirty long years he served as trustee.  He was superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school of this city twenty-nine years.  He was deacon twenty-eight years.  He was church clerk twelve years, Sunday school teacher six years and chairman of board of the Deacons eighteen years.  In addition to all of this, he was one of the most faithful and competent members of the church choir.  He dearly loved church work and the association of the people.  He was faithful unto the end, ready and willing at all times to promote its best interests.

   Besides being prominent in the business affairs of the county, church affairs, Mr. James was an extremely devoted husband and kind father.  He was a true friend to all.  It is conceded that the town and county has lost one of its most moral and worthy citizens.

   Mr. James is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alma James, three children, Hugh James of Pendleton, Mrs. Wade H. Taylor of Temple, Mrs. Murray F. Broaddus of this city, and four brothers and one sister, Dr. A. J.  James, Houston, T.O. James, Des Moines, New Mexico, F.W. James, Bowie, J.W. James, Plainview,  and Miss Bertha Mae James, Fort Worth.

   The out of town relatives and friends here to attend the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. Hugh James and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Taylor, Dr. A.J. James, T.O. James, F.W. James, J.W. James, Miss Bertha Mae James, Lester and Bob James, Mesdames E.F., Edgar and Grady Hutchins, Marlin, Miss Alma Lee Joiner, Wichita Falls, Miss Euphie Lang and Mrs. Alma Gribble, Sommerville, Misses Edna and Rose Cantrell, Pendleton, Messrs. Dillon and Littlefield, Pendleton, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Withers, Bryan, and Mrs. T. F. Bunkley of Temple.

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