James was truly unique; I will miss him dearly. His knowledge and ideas of the world around us, shaped by his NC roots and his employment with the state, made nearly every one of his memories and stories important to us all. The James I knew was both large in statue and projected a gruff attitude but that was only an act.  He had heart and was a truly caring person. James was kind enough to take me under his wing, allowed me to be his falconry apprentice and I am certain that he considered that to have been just one of his mistakes in life! For me it was an opportunity of a lifetime.  Among his peers, James will always be considered a Master Falconer and all the accolades associated with this recognition. I was introduced to James at a falconry event in Statesville and he could not have gotten rid of me if he tried. As a new falconer, I remember one time my bird got away from me at my house. Both my wife and I were in a panic, James came right over to help. Nighttime came and no bird to be seen, the spotlights were searching the trees, the neighbors wanted to know what was going on and I feared the worse.  James kept telling us that the bird was still here and just be patient. I had nearly given up hope of ever seeing my new Harris Hawk again and out of the darkness, the bird flew down to my wife. Just like so much of his advice over the years, he could see and understand what many of us never recognized. He was good, honest, the “Salt of the Earth”.  James and I put some miles on our vehicles, Texas, Kansas and right here in NC looking for and hunting our hawks. Today I share his advice and I recognize the impact he had on my life. I am both grateful and appreciative for what he was willing to share with me and the time we spent together. My deepest sympathies to Carol and Clifton, rest in peace James.

Condolences and love to the family. 
Cousin James use to visit us in Ohio and we would visit when we came to NC.
He was always the cool older cousin that you always wanted to see and hang out with.
Again condolences, 
.I wish I could be there for the services.

Charles M. Rutherford Jr, Columbus Ohio
Son of Charles M. Rutherford Sr. and Alsonia Rutherford

Carol & Clifton, I was so saddened  to hear that James had passed.  May God’s grace and love comfort you during this difficult time.  Love you!

I send my condolence to the Caldwell family. It's not very often in life that you meet a friend like James.  He took me under his wings and taught me how to become a Master Falconer. He was more than a friend to me he was a big brother and was always there for advice no matter what.  I will miss him dearly but not the words he always said to me (A dollar more you can go first class). That saying will never be forgotten nor will he.
God Bless!!!


OBITUARY

James Clifton Caldwell

June 30, 1952 – August 20, 2022

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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