James Levi Callaway

James L. Callaway, 92, of Westridge Road, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at Landsun Health Services Center. Graveside Services will be held Thursday, August 25, 2016, 2:30 PM, at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park with Chaplain Stephanie Harmon officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James Levi Callaway was born on November 17, 1923 in Sweetwater, TX. He was the son of George Henry and Laura Bond Callaway. He grew up in Texas and married Wanda Lee Lauderdale in Lamesa, TX on November 7, 1942. They were happily together until she passed away just after their 60th anniversary in 2002. He was a member of "The Greatest Generation" and served his country in the US Army in WWII and during the Occupation of Japan. He was in the Combat Infantry in the Philippines earning the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star, The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, The Army of Occupation Ribbon-Japan, The Victory Ribbon and two Overseas Service Bars. He was honorably discharged on July 1, 1946. After his discharge, Jim and Wanda moved to Carlsbad, NM where he worked with his brother Ralph in the nursery business. In 1947 during a slow period there he left that job to work temporarily in the potash mines. He retired from IMCC in 1964. He liked to say it was a temporary job that lasted 39 years! He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1964. In addition to his church work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family. James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda Lee Callaway; brothers: David, Ralph, Sam, Bowlin and Roger Callaway and sister, Lois Montgomery. Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shirley & Kevin Hargis of Abilene, TX, his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Peggy Callaway of Edgewood NM; four grandchildren: Blake Hargis & wife, Trudi of Cohoes, NY, Jessica Hargis Quist and husband, Bryant of Melbourne, Florida, Shawna Callaway Nesbit & husband, Chad of Driftwood, TX, Melissa Callaway Venable of Grants NM; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family wishes to thank the staff of Landsun Homes for their care and concern. Memorial contributions may be made to Landsun Homes, Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220 Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com