James Ray Callender, Jr., 70, of Corpus Christi (formerly Kerrville), passed away peacefully at home, July 28, 2021 after a battle with brain cancer.

Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born in Galveston, TX on May 15, 1951, He was the oldest child of James and the late Margaret Callender.

While growing up in Galveston County, Jim loved the outdoors. He fished, hunted ducks and rabbits, and played his favorite sport, baseball.

Jim graduated from Hitchcock High School before playing baseball while attending Hill Junior College. The great guys he played baseball with have continued their friendship for many ye ars. He then transferred to Sam Houston State University, where he met his life partner, Kay Peoples. They married on August 26,1972 in Beaumont, Texas.

Jim and Kay were blessed with three boys. While the boys were growing up, Jim devoted many hours sharing his love of the outdoors with them by taking them to the deer lease, and teaching them how to hunt and fish. He also spent 13 years coaching all the boys in baseball.

In 1974, Jim received his insurance license. This would begin his 47 year career in the insurance business. He was very successful and earned numerous trips around the world. He and Kay traveled to Tahiti, Alaska, Iceland, Argentina, and multiple countries in Europe. Long-lasting friendships were made with other agents during these trips.

The happiest times in the last 5 years have been spoiling his precious granddaughters. He loved to tease with them and teach them how to make ugly faces. When one of them would walk in the room, he would always have a big smile. PaPaw loved his girls so much.

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay, along with his sons Scott (Jenny), Brad, and Wes Callender. He also leaves behind his loving granddaughters Emma, Riley and Cora Callender; father, James Callender Sr., brother Kenny Callender (Judy), and sister Cindi (Eric) Edwards; brother-in-law Ernie (Peppie) Peoples, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with many many friends.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Guardian Funeral Home in Corpus Christi.
A celebration of his life will continue at the Callender home afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX