Bonham -- Funeral services for Mr. James Robert "Jim" Caskey, age 69, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2008, in the Wise Funeral Home Chapel in Bonham, Texas.  Ministers Josh Linton of Corsicana and John O'Neal of Savoy will officiate.  Burial will follow with Naval Honors at the Arledge Ridge Cemetery.  Mr. Caskey passed away at his residence on July 10, 2008.

Born in Florence, Texas, on February 4, 1939, he was the son of Wilbur Robert Caskey and Sybil Elizabeth Everett Caskey.  After growing up and attending schools in Georgetown, Texas, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, serving on a destroyer during his four-year service.  He married Rene Kemp on January 21, 2000. 

Mr. Caskey was a member of the Savoy Church of Christ, Shriners, Scottish Rite, and was a 32nd Degree Mason.  He enjoyed many hobbies including  fishing, hunting, woodworking and scuba diving.  An accomplished artist, he also drew pen and ink sketches, designed and built rustic cabins and elaborate homes.  His landscape specialty was building waterfalls with just the "right" rocks. 

He also was an accomplished pilot, and was a regular blood donor.  When he passed away, Mr. Caskey was working as a Project Manager and Estimator for the Four Star Fabrication Company.  He also was a master plumber, being involved with numerous construction associations including serving as president of APHCC, Dallas County Chapter.   Over the years he was a true mentor and teacher to many in his profession.

Survivors include his wife Rene of Ravenna; two sons, Wesley Caskey and wife Shelley of Richardson, Everett Shands Caskey and Gene Street of Brownsville; sister, Kay Patterson of Georgetown; grandchildren, Maya Caskey and Abigail and Cameron Strong; niece, Elizabeth Bays; nephew, Glenn Patterson. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, James Carlton Caskey and Brandon Strong.

Pallbearers are Chris Slaughter, Danny Reynolds, Tony Everett, Larry Elkins, Joe Bays, and Glenn Patterson. 

Honorary Pallbearers  include Todd and Brad Glass and Mr. Caskey's first cousins: Bill Caskey, Bill and Don Hockridge, and Greg, Brian and Alan Everett.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to VistaCare Hospice, 2824 Terrell Rd., Ste. 500, Greenville, TX 75402.  The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home from 3-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2008.