James (Jim) M. Cauley

James (Jim) M. Cauley, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away November 10, 2015, in Baytown, Texas. He was born on September 22, 1935 in Kingsville, Texas, to Paul Duggan Cauley and Ida Eunice Wilson Cauley.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law – Edwin Paul Cauley and Marjorie, brothers - Herbert Wilson Cauley and Paul Duggan Cauley, and sister and brother-in-law – Ruth Jean Cauley Briscoe and Bill.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Pat) Ann Ivy Cauley of Baytown, Texas: his sons and daughters-in-law – James (Jim) Milton Cauley, Jr. and wife Judy of Denver, Colorado; Kyle Adair Cauley and wife Nancy of Beach City, Texas; and Todd Duggan Cauley and wife Tiffany of Montgomery, Texas: his grandchildren – Kelsey Nicole Cauley of Austin, Texas, Wesley Kyle Cauley of Beach City, Texas, Connor James Cauley and Rachel Paige Cauley of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Mavis Cauley, of San Antonio, Texas, as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, and friends.

Jim graduated from Rice University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1958 and was a member of the 1957 Rice Owls football team that won the Southwest Conference Championship, always a source of pride for him. He then attended the University of Houston Law School before heading to Washington, D.C., where he served as a member of Senator Lyndon B. Johnson's staff for several years. He returned to Houston, beginning his lifelong career in mortgage banking first at Southwestern Savings, then Citizens of Texas Savings and Loan, MeritBanc Savings, and Community Resource Credit Union, serving as president, vice-president and board member at the various financial institutions. His leadership also included serving on multiple other boards: The Baytown Chamber of Commerce, The San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, the Lions Club, St. Mark's UMC and several additional financial institutions, as well as also serving on numerous church, city, and school planning committees.

Jim enjoyed sports and the outdoors which he shared with his sons at every opportunity. He coached their Little League teams and was always on the sidelines when they played football. Always an avid supporter in the stands, he never missed a game. This continued as the grandchildren entered into sports competition, as well, watching football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. He also looked forward to hunting and fishing trips with all of them – fun times together hunting quail, dove, pheasant, and deer. The Bolivar beach house provided great family times, often shared with friends, as well as many fishing trips in the bays and Gulf. Fishing trips to Baffin Bay, Laguna Madre, the Florida Keys and Cozumel leave fond memories for all.

Family vacations to the mountains, Hill Country, and the beach were some of Jim's favorite times. He dreamed of traveling to Alaska, which he and Pat did on their Fortieth-Fifth Anniversary. They also enjoyed travel to Mexico, Europe, Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.

A man of integrity and deep faith, Jim accomplished many things throughout his lifetime, but he regarded his family as his greatest joy. His love and his support for his wife, his sons and daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, his entire family, his friends and his God were evident every day that he lived. He was humble, selfless, and completely devoted to those he loved, the Church, and the community at large.

The family appreciates the special care given to Jim by both The Waterford and The Faith Community Hospice staff members, as well as Chris Hays.

A visitation will be held at Navarre Funeral Home, on Friday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be at Sterling-White Cemetery, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg, Highlands, Texas, 77562, on Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 3811 North Main, Baytown, Texas 77521 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Peter Miller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Jim's name may do so to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, www.alz.org, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3201, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org, or a charity of choice.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.