James Caldwell, Jr

James Allen Caldwell, Jr. was born August 30, 1946, in Gulfport, MS to the late James Allen Caldwell, Sr. and Annie Bell Robinson-Caldwell. He was the  eldest of seven children. His family affectionately called him “Junior.” He was preceded in death by two sisters Annie Bell Holt and Juanita Vaughn.

He  received his primary education in the Kansas City public schools and attended Lincoln High School. He obtained an associate degree from Moberly Community College. He married Wanda Lynell Leonard in February of 1982. In the start of his career, he worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. Later, he stopped building streets and buildings and went into building better children. His last position was as a manager at the Niles Home for Children.

James was an avid sports fan, especially KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs. His other pastimes included attending all of his children’s events, boxing, and playing pool. After 3 Score and sixteen years (76) James transitioned time and embraced eternity on April 4, 2023.

He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all that knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 41 years, Wanda Lynell (Leonard) Caldwell; children: Marchai Leonard-Ashley, Larry D. (Crystall) Leonard, James Allen (Danielle) Caldwell III, Karnissa Caldwell; special cousins: Minnie (Robinson) Jacobs, Quinn Hampton, his sisters: Gladys R. Jackson, Sarah Lee (Vernon) Harris, Oretha I. Lane, and one brother Joseph (Candie) Caldwell: twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.