Jim Elvin Erwin

Jim Elvin Erwin, age 97, a pillar of strength and devotion, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025, at his home in Grapeland, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 31, 1928, in the Ash Community (Austonio) of Houston County, Texas, Jim was the son of Henry Lee Erwin and Minnie Orlene Keels Erwin. He was a proud veteran, having served honorably in the United States Army in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. His military service shaped his lifelong values of discipline, commitment, and service to others.

Following his time in the Army, Jim built a successful career at Cameron Iron Works in Houston, Texas, where he rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President. During his years with Cameron, he and his beloved wife Margie, along with their three children, traveled the world together, building a lifetime of memories.

After retiring in 1978, Jim pursued his dream of becoming a rancher, only to discover that it was tougher than expected for a city boy. Still, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life: fishing, hunting, carpentry, crafting custom fishing rods, and enjoying his cigars.

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great pride in his family’s accomplishments.

Jim is survived by his son, James Erwin and wife, Brenda; daughters, Sherri and Suzann Erwin; granddaughters, Sarah Smith and husband, Jeff, Angela Graves and husband, Brenton; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Elyssa Smith, Benjamin and Rosie Graves; and nieces and nephew Carolyn Rawlins, Sandra and Wally Drews, and Sue Sprott. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Margie Goforth Erwin; parents, Henry and Minnie Erwin; sisters, Dorothy Lee Erwin Murray and husband, Roland, Ruth Matchett and husband, Olen, and Angie Lene Dillon and husband, Kay.

Funeral services for Jim Elvin Erwin were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Callaway-Allee Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation began at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at Callaway-Allee Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.callawayallee.com