James Andrew Cartwright, Jr. passed away on May 8, 2018 at the age of 33. He was born in Houston, Texas on January 7, 1985. James was raised in a family of faith, baptized into the communion of saints and confirmed into The Church.
The quintessential Texan, James loved The Lone Star State, The Red Raiders, being an Oil and Gas Landman, and hunting. But, more than anything, he cherished his wide circle of family and friends.
James relished life with the family. His four brothers and sister were a tight, devoted and loyal circle that stayed closely connected though miles often separated them. He loved family gatherings where he would often smoke meats and organize the games/entertainment. Children gravitated toward James. He was always the first to scoop them up and give them a hug.
James had a gift for well-timed witty comments that added poignant perspective to the subject at hand. He was a true southern gentleman, always the first to open a door, pull out a chair and offer a beverage. James worked tirelessly to keep connections alive and had the ability to make anyone feel comfortable and welcome.
James grew up in Austin and Waco until the 9th grade. He was then accepted into the prestigious McCallie College Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his father and 4 brothers also attended. James thrived in the comradery of dorm life and formed many life-long friendships. He strongly embraced the McCallie foundational creed of “Honor, Truth, Duty” and often reminded the family and friends of the McCallie motto “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”
After high school, James attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock where he excelled academically in the major of Energy Commerce Petroleum Land Management. James embraced the college years where he found the most meaningful and profound friendships of his life. He was very active in the Kappa Alpha (KA) fraternity and devoted to the brotherhood it fostered. He chaired the famous yearly “Calf-Fry” event, discovering a love for business management and entertaining. James did all of this while repeatedly being named to the Dean’s Honor List.
His degree led to work in the oil and gas field as a Landman, negotiating the acquisition or divestiture of property mineral rights. With James’ servant heart and ethical integrity, he made sure that landowners, whether mom & pop farmers/ranchers or corporations, got a fair deal. To James, a “good deal” was a deal that was good for all parties. By the time negotiations were concluded, successful or not, James had made a new business associate and forged a new friendship as well.
When you had a conversation with James Cartwright, he made you feel like you were the only person in the world. He was so present in his conversations, always engaging with a new insight or word of encouragement. James was an amazing conversationalist, full of wit and fun, and had a smile that would light up any gathering.
Despite that light in him, James battled the darkness of depression and alcoholism. Although he loved and appreciated others, and knew that he was greatly loved, he continued in that struggle.
James was preceded in death by his grandparents: James W Cartwright, Leland F and Marilyn Cadenhead and Glenn A vonRosenberg. He is survived by his parents: James A “Drew” and Darlyn Cartwright, and Amy C Kyle; his grandmothers: Josephine J Cartwright and Barbara Jo vonRosenberg; his siblings: Claten W Bechtol and wife Gretchen, children Emery and Knox; Cooper A Bechtol, son Liam and his mother JoAnne McPartlin; Taylor L Cartwright; Conner N Bechtol and wife Lila; Caroline C Cartwright; his Katy family: Samantha Harlan, children Preston and Taytem. Many aunts, uncles and cousins that James loved so very much and stayed in close touch with…Cartwrights, Cadenheads, vonRosenbergs, Johnstons, Kyles, Overbeys.
A celebration of James’ life will be held on Wednesday May 16th, 2:00 pm at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road in Austin, Tx. Feel free to don your western wear, Texas Tech red and black or military uniform.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The McCallie School, Solstice Recovery Foundation, or an organization of your choice.
