James Wade Cravens Jr.

Sunday, November 29th at age 81, my Dad went to his eternal home to be with the Lord. It’d been a good Thanksgiving but somewhat bitter as we had talked on the phone but weren’t together because of Covid. Saturday he went to the park to gather pecans, then shelled them for Mom to make chocolate chip cookies while watching the A&M game, they won! He so loved A&M football, both he and my grandfather served in the A&M Cadet Corps graduating with Civil Engineering degrees. He then worked 45 years for the Federal Highway Administration.

When he woke up that morning he wasn’t feeling well, said he felt faint with neck and shoulder pain, so he went back to bed where he passed peacefully. Though not confirmed we believe it was sudden cardiac arrest.

Anyone who knew him, knew how passionate he was about hunting and fishing. As much as he loved doing it, he loved even more telling hunting and fishing stories to his grandchildren and would light up when doing so. He was a devoted husband, father and Christian, donating much of his time and money to the church, which included his work as a deacon with World Bible School, taking communion and leading services at the nursing home.

When he turned 80 he began slowing down but maybe he was just starting to get his second wind, that week he had just renewed his hunting license. Thank you Dad for all that you did to instill in me a love for the outdoors, teaching me to hunt and fish, how to work with my hands and put in a hard day’s work. Above all you always demonstrated how to give to others in need without ever taking credit for it. Until we’re all together again Dad, I love and miss you.

For those able to attend we will celebrate the life of James Wade Cravens Jr. on Saturday December 12th at 10:00 am at the Highland Village Church of Christ in Austin. In lieu of flowers my Mother suggested donations to the church.