James Thomas Cain

James Thomas (Jimmy) Cain left this earth for his Heavenly Home on November 28, 2021, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 80. He was born June 13, 1941, in Rosenburg, Texas to his parents Telford and Lucile Cain.

James had a lifelong love for music & for playing the trumpet. His high school years were in Plainview, Texas under the direction of O.T. Ryan and Robert Chief Davidson. His college years were spent at the University of Texas in Austin. While there he was a member of the Goldman Trumpet Trio, the UT Symphonic Band and the Symphonic orchestra. He was a member of the UT Longhorn band where he was a section leader. While at UT he met the love of his life. Virlie Kay Sayers Cain. They have been a devoted and inseparable couple for 56 years. After graduation he took a teaching position in San Angelo, Texas. During his second year there he was drafted into the Army. His trumpet talents had him playing at military functions across the US and abroad in Italy.

After his release from the Army, he began a teaching career at Cole High School & from there at Coke Stevenson in San Antonio. In his 36 years there as band director the school was awarded 35 consecutive UIL Sweepstakes.

James served as clinician and adjudicator throughout the state for 25 years. Also, as coordinator for American Classic Music Festivals, and served on the Region XI Board of the Texas Music Educators Assoc, Texas Band Masters and Texas Music Educators Assoc. He was inducted into the Texas Band Masters Association Hall of Fame in April of 2017. He retired from public school teaching in 2012.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Telford and Lucile Cain of Plainview. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virlie of San Antonio. Also, by his sister, Carolyn Cain Huckaby and husband, Louis of San Angelo, his sister, Kay Cain Holt and husband Larry of Uvalde, sister in law Maridee Ward and son Patrick of Austin, niece Julie Pucci and husband Tim and son Ryan, Niece Hollie Sawyer and husband Joey, and children Anna and Aron, Nephew Dusty Holt and wife Ashton and children Hudson and Hayden, Kylee Holt Gilles and children Hannah and Holtynn. He was also survived by many cousins and a myriad of friends.

James was a much-loved brother, uncle, and husband. His accolades and awards are numerous his personality endeared him to all who knew him. We all remember him fondly for always whistling. His loving and devoted wife was always at his side as they have always been inseparable for 56 years. To his sisters especially he was selfless and always there.

His music and laughter will be certainly missed. To those of us who knew him or know of him he truly was a legend. No doubt Gabriel will welcome him as backup when the trumpet sounds. Play on James, play on.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund honoring one of his former band students from North Side ISD.

VISITATIONTUESDAY, DECEMBER, 7 20215:00 PM - 7:00 PMPORTER LORING NORTH STATEROOM

MEMORIAL SERVICEWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 20212:00 PMALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH825 E. BASSE ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209

GRAVESIDEWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 20219:45 AMFORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209