December 24, 1938 – August 9, 2025
BOWIE – James Robert Cantwell, 86, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2025, in Wichita Falls, TX.
A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the United Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Nelson St., Bowie.
James was born in Bowie on Christmas Eve 1938 to Robert Ivy (Beetle) and Berniece Joplin Cantwell, who owned and ran a cattle ranch northwest of Bowie. James and his younger brother Jerry helped their father from an early age with all the chores, learning about working the land and cattle, and developing a deep love for the ranching life. When James entered Bowie High School, his quiet, thoughtful ways and friendly smile made him a leader among his peers. He was active in FFA, was captain of the Jackrabbits football team and president of the student body. He participated in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduating from Bowie High School in 1957, he attended Texas Tech University, earning a degree in agricultural engineering. During college, he was in Army ROTC and also participated in the rodeo club, where he was able to show his skills in bull riding. After graduating from Texas Tech, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army and served in West Germany near Schwaebisch Gmuend. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, James was serving on the border of West Germany and Czechoslovakia. He led his platoon as they waited for orders to fire nuclear-tipped missiles into Russian-occupied territory, orders which luckily never came. In early 1963, his life took a new turn when he met the love of his life, Joan Kitley, a fellow Texan who worked for the Army Special Services at the military base. They married in December of 1963, surrounded by military friends, in the chapel in Schwaebish Gmuend.
Upon completion of active duty, James and Joan returned to Texas in 1964 and settled in Bowie, where they built a new home and a life together. While raising their three children, James continued his military service in the Texas National Guard; became a banker in Bowie, serving as President of Bowie State Bank for 17 years; and continued to operate cattle at the family Circled Bar Ranch. In 1993, he became City Manager of Bowie, a position he held for 20 years. James enjoyed all aspects of this job, from duties at his desk to helping crews on the streets, to making face-to-face connections with citizens he was serving. He represented Bowie as a member of the Texas Municipal League and served as a board member of the Texas Public Power Association for almost 20 years, being awarded a Career Achievement Award. His proudest accomplishment was his role in helping to establish a new North Central Texas College campus in Bowie.
James was a faithful Christian throughout his life. While growing up, he attended the First Baptist Church in Bowie with his family and once earned an award for not missing a single Sunday for nine years. After returning from Germany with Joan, the couple joined the First Presbyterian Church in Bowie, remaining faithful members. James shared his love of music by singing in the church choir for several decades.
James was a humble servant of his community of Bowie and beyond. He joined the Bowie Lions Club in 1966 and held every officer position. He served as the treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church for 48 years. He served on the Boy Scout Northwest Texas Council in Wichita Falls for many years, and helped organize and run council-wide Camporees. For his continuous service with the Boy Scouts of America, he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor that a local council can bestow upon its adult leaders. James has been honored twice by the Bowie Chamber of Commerce. Once in 1997 as “Man of the Year” and again in 2023 with his wife Joan as “Frances Brite Citizens of the Year.”
“If you strike a thorn or rose, Keep a-goin!
If it hails or if it snows, Keep a-goin!
‘Taint no use to sit an’ whine, when the fish ain’t on your line;
Bait your hook an’ keep a-tryn’, Keep a-goin!”
(Frank L. Stanton)
“Keep a-goin!” a line from James’s favorite poem, guided him throughout his life. He often shared this with loved ones, with a smile on his face and a warm hug. James’s list of accomplishments is long, but those who knew him agree that his legacy will be his kind, patient heart; his love for his country, the land, and his family; and his unwavering diligence in every endeavor.
James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Kitley Cantwell; son, Joel Cantwell and wife Julianne, Dallas; daughter, Judy Gelfert and husband, Arne, Arlington; daughter, Jennifer Leedy and husband Robert, Murphy; and seven grandchildren, Robert (married to Maddy), Preston, Daniel, Jensen, Landon, Charlotte and Jordyn.
If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or Bowie Lions Club, c/o: Ray Wilson, 1095 Bluffs Avenue, Bowie, TX 76230.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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