Cavender’s Founder James Cavender dies at 87

By LYNDA STRINGER
news@campcountynow.com

James Cavender, the founder of the iconic western store that first opened in Pittsburg,
died Tuesday morning.
The company announced his death on a business Facebook page Tuesday morning. By
early Tuesday afternoon, the Cavender’s main Facebook page shared that “countless
stories of James R. Cavender have been filling our inboxes since this morning. Stories
of his humility, hard work, honesty, and integrity: “his handshake was better than any
legal document,” as one put it best.
Jennifer Green, Cavender’s public relations director, confirmed his passing, stating in a
press release, “James was known for his incredible work ethic, disposition and joy when
helping customers. He was fortunate to attract many loyal associates over the last 53
years; many have been with the company for 30 or more years.”
Cavender made an impact on everyone who met him, “from deep-rooted relationships,
to moments in passing, to some employees who never met him,” the Cavender’s page
continued. “His work ethic has seeped into the heart of Cavender’s as a company and a
family.”
Cavender was known as a pioneer, a businessman, and more importantly, a family man
even to those he barely knew.
The social media post added that the history of Cavender’s will now be in two
parts—before and after the life of James.
“Although we are heartbroken, we cannot help but feel honored to have had him as a
leader and our friend,” it stated.

History
According to the company’s website, Cavender moved to Pittsburg with his wife, Pat, in
1957 to open the Dairy Hart burger franchise. In 1965, he opened a clothing store,
which quickly evolved into Cavender’s as the keen businessman steadily increased it
inventory of boots and western wear. Celebrating its 50 th anniversary in 2015, the
company, which is run by James and Pat’s three sons Joe, Mike, and Clay, has
continued to expand and now has more than 80 stores in 11 states (Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, Nebraska, Kansas), with its home
offices in Tyler.

Obit

James Robert Cavender was born in Idabel, Oklahoma on March 22, 1931. He passed away on May 29, 2018 in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Cavender was a member of First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, Texas and served in the United States Air Force. James was the founder and CEO of Cavender’s, a major Texas-based western wear retail chain that now has stores in 11 states. 
Mr. Cavender, an only child, is preceded in death by his parents Lois Otis “L.O.” Cavender and Loyce Estelle Stewart. He was married to his wife Patricia Ann Whitten Cavender for 63 years. They have four children, Joe Mark Cavender and wife Nancy; Mike Alan Cavender; Traci Ann Cavender and Clay Courtney Cavender and wife Jacqueline. James is also survived by his grandchildren, Whitney Cavender Edwards and husband Todd; McClain Cavender Devine and husband Andrew; Morgan Cavender; Drew Cavender and wife Kayla; Cooper Cavender; Colton Cavender, Conley Cavender and Cline Cavender. Great-grandchildren include Knox Edwards, Kingston Edwards and Wyatt Devine. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Pittsburg. Visitation with the family will be held at the FBC Pittsburg Family Life Center Thursday, May 31 from 5-7 p.m.