James B Caskey

James was born in Wasco, California to Malcolm and Janie Caskey on September 29, 1930. Shortly after his birth they returned to Briggs, Texas, a community James would speak of frequently and support throughout his life.

After graduating from Briggs High School in 1948, James attended the University of Texas at Austin majoring in physical education. In the fall of 1952, James reported for active duty in the Army, a life-changing event. While stationed at Fort Bliss, he would complete a course in Radar Fire Control Maintenance. Honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in 1954, James returned to the University of Texas to complete his degree in Physical Education, and meet his future wife, Jo. In 1956, James and his new bride would move to El Paso, Texas, where he would start a 37-year career as a defense contractor with RCA, and a life of world travel with numerous moves across the United States.

In May of 1968, James and Jo with their two children, Jayne and Patrick, arrived on the island of Kwajalein in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. During his 25-year residency on Kwajalein, he would participate in the wide variety of outdoor activities the community offered, including but not limited to: softball, mountain ball, golf and deep-sea fishing. By being a coach of a women’s softball team for several years, James fulfilled his earlier ambition.

Retiring in 1993, James and Jo returned to Austin, Texas. As always avid Texas Longhorns fans, they would attend basketball, baseball and football games. Instead of continuing to play softball and golf, James began hunting with the male family members. James and Jo continued to travel with different family members to Alaska, Germany, Austria, and Australia. He cherished the numerous family reunions where they reminisced about their childhood in Briggs and marveled at their present lives; how all six children received degrees and attended the University of Texas. James kept in contact with his “Kwaj” family through Facebook. As with his children, James advocated, encouraged and supported his four grandchildren in their education and extracurricular activities, and was proud of their many accomplishments. Each grandchild looked forward to spending time with Grandad.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Jo; his parents Malcolm and Janie Caskey; and his brother Dr. Charles Caskey.

He is survived by daughter Jayne Mack (Brian) of Amarillo; son Patrick Caskey (Janice) of Driftwood; grandchildren Austin Mack, Brian Mack, Brooke Fernandez, and Hannah Fernandez; sister Joyce Ledger of Conroe; brother Kenneth Caskey (Verna) of Buchanan Dam; sister Glenda Orr (James) of South Carolina; brother Davis Caskey (Bana) of Richmond, Virginia; and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.

May we all find comfort in memories of James' generosity, kindness, wit and sense of humor.

Jayne and Patrick would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff on the third floor of Brookdale Westlake Hills Skilled Nursing and the St. David’s Hospice Care team for the exceptional care and support you provided to James and his family.

Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to the home of Sharon and Tom Torrico, 4607 Secluded Hollow, Austin, TX, to celebrate the life of James Caskey. Memorial donations may be made to Briggs Community Center: BCCI, P.O. Box 143, Briggs, TX 78606. A visitation for James will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 31, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 31, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.