Rev. Jim Caywood

Rev. Jim Caywood

October 28, 1935 — January 22, 2026

Cleveland

Jim Caywood, 90, of Cleveland, TN, entered his heavenly home on January 22, 2026. Born on October 28, 1935, in Cleveland, TN to J.B. and Crissie Caywood. Jim was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Arlene, for 70 years, and a loving father to Grant, Debbie, and Mikel.  

Jim committed his life to Christ at the age of 15, and his faith remained the guiding force in everything he did. His greatest mission was to share the good news that Jesus came to earth, died for our sins, and offers eternal life to all who believe. Together, Jim and Arlene faithfully served side by side in ministry, encouraging and equipping others to follow Christ.  

The couple’s call to full-time ministry deepened after the loss of their daughter Debbie in 1978, when she was just 17. Choosing to trust God in the midst of heartbreak, Jim and Arlene dedicated their lives to helping others find hope in Jesus.  

They began serving in lay revivals with Fred Pinckard before Jim was called into pastoral ministry at Westwood Baptist Church, where he served for 28 years. Over the years, he served as Minister of Administration and Evangelism, later as Minister of Pastoral Care, plus founded numerous ministries, including Training Believers in Evangelism, chaplaincy at Bradley Health Care, ROTH (Recovery of the Heart grief support), and Gatekeepers, a program encouraging men to stand firm in faith for their families and communities. Additionally, he wrote the book called Training Believers in Evangelism, a book on marriage, and two autobiographies.  

Jim’s obedience to God’s call led him far beyond Cleveland. He participated in 22 international mission trips and 17 mission efforts across the United States, always pointing people to the saving love of Christ. Countless lives were changed because Jim and Arlene faithfully answered the call, “Here I am, Lord; send me.”  

After his love for Christ, Jim’s greatest joy was his wife, Arlene. Together, they welcomed hundreds of families into their home, sharing meals, laughter, prayer, and the bond of Christian fellowship.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Crissie Caywood; his infant sister, Brenda; his daughter, Debbie (17); his son, Grant (58); and his grandson, Brett (36). Though their family faced great loss, Jim and Arlene chose again and again to say “yes” to Jesus, trusting His perfect plan and holding fast to the promise of heaven.  

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Arlene; his son and daughter-in-law, Mikel and Dana of Fall Branch, TN; and daughter-in-law, Vicki of Crossville, TN. He was a proud grandfather to Jeremy of Burleson, Texas; David (Nikki) of Chatsworth, GA; James (Charli) of Kingsport, TN, and Todd (Samantha) of Kingsport, TN. Jim was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Olivia, Amelia, Crissie Grace, Daxton, Noah, Abraham, Silas, Delaney, Milo, Leno Jo, Israel, and Malachi. He is also survived by his siblings Terri (Sue), Ronny (Debby), Connie Johnson (Hoyle), and Sandy Murphy (Ted). He was very close to his aunt, Delores Hallmark, and his Uncle Frankie Caywood, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care shown to Jim in recent years, especially by the dialysis center staff, Dr. Ron Coleman, Dr. Obadias Marquez, and Dr. Selwin Abraham.  

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Westwood Baptist Church and then again on Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the service. His celebration of life will be held at Westwood Baptist Church on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM, with burial to follow at Hopewell Baptist Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westwood Baptist Church, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Wounded Warriors, or Tunnels to Towers in Jim’s memory.  

Jim’s greatest desire was for others to know Jesus. If you do not yet have a personal relationship with Him, we invite you to read these verses of Scripture: ● Romans 3:23 ● Romans 7:18 ● Romans 6:23 ● John 14:6 ● John 3:16 ● Revelation 3:20. If you choose to follow Christ, we would love to rejoice with you—please reach out through Westwood Baptist Church.