James L. “Jim” Caldwell

James L. “Jim” Caldwell, age 87, passed away on Friday morning, May 27, 2022, surrounded by his family.  Jim was born in Connersville on September 30, 1934, the son of the late Frank and Wilma Geise Caldwell.

He graduated from Connersville High School in 1953.  After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corp where he attained the rank of Corporal.  During his service, he served in Korea for a year and was Honorably Discharged in 1961.

On November 18, 1956, in Connersville, he married Renie Townsend.  They were able to spend 65 years together and were blessed with six children.

Upon returning home from the Marine Corps, he worked at Rex Manufacturing, Roots Blower, and D & M in Connersville and M & D in Cambridge City.  He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where over the years he completed 35 specialized courses.  Jim joined the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department on January 1, 1969.  During his 23 years of service, he served as the elected sheriff for 4 years.  After leaving the Sheriff’s Department, he worked at the Prosecutors Office as an investigator for 8 years.

He is a lifetime member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and served his fellow Veterans by honoring them as a member of the Fayette County Honor Guard for many years.

He was a longtime member of ICHA Church of the Bible Covenant. Jim loved to play the guitar.  Not a day went by that you wouldn’t hear him playing.  He also enjoyed playing the piano, singing and spending time with his family.

Jim’s memories and love will be forever cherished by his wife, Renie; son, Ricky (Sandra Hurley) Caldwell; daughters, Rebecca (Scott) Johnson, Regina “Genie” Cotten; Julia (John) Ward and Sherrill (James) Montel; sister, Sherry Christensen; daughter in law, Tammy Caldwell; 16 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his son, Daniel “Danny” Caldwell; brother, Paul Caldwell; a granddaughter, Angela Joy; a great grandson, Elijah Gough; and brother in law, Ken Christensen.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8^th Street, on Wednesday June 1, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be conducted at ICHA Church of the Bible Covenant, 2409 Indiana Ave, Connersville on Thursday June 2, 2022, at 11:00 am.  Burial with military graveside services by the Fayette County Honor Guard will follow at Dale Cemetery.