James M. "Jimmy" Birdwell

James M. (Jimmy) Birdwell entered the presence of his Lord and Savior August 18, 2025, at the age of 75 years. A native of Carthage Texas Jimmy was born April 4, 1950, to James Bertice and Mary Frances (Davis) Birdwell. He received new life in Christ in 1959 while attending Macedonia Baptist Church. Jimmy attended Carthage schools, graduating with the Class of 1968, then attended Panola College. Following that, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Jimmy married the love of his life, Kathy (Bowlin) Birdwell on June 10, 1972, in Timpson Texas and they were blessed with two wonderful children, Shelly and Tim. They lived several years in Lufkin Texas where he was active in Kiwanis Club, holding the offices of Vice-President and President. He was a Deacon, a member of various committees and the sanctuary choir of Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, and later in Humble Texas at First Baptist Church. After moving to Kennedale Texas in 2011, Jimmy was an active member of Fielder Church in Arlington, as well as two of their community groups. Jimmy was known by everyone as a lifelong fan of his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He loved Southern Gospel music, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Jimmy was faithful to Christ in all aspects of his life. Not only was he a living testimony of God’s goodness, but Jimmy also continued witnessing and sharing his faith with others even when his health was failing. Certainly, Jimmy heard his Savior welcome him Home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Jimmy began his career in construction estimating in 1974 after working two years for Glidden Paint Company. Following that, he worked at Temple Associates Inc. for 19 years, Timberline Construction for four years, and Langston Construction for 13 years. Jimmy retired from Buford-Thompson Company (BTC) in Fort Worth and El Paso after 10 years of dedicated service.

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend Kathy, daughter Shelly Diane Carroll and husband Chris, son Pastor James Timothy Birdwell and wife Jaya, his grandchildren Carson Michael and Caelyn Ashley Carroll, and Neela Jill, Ashwin James, and Tanavi Ruth Birdwell. Jimmy is also survived by sisters Brenda McGhee and Kathy Penner, brothers-in law Dennis Penner and Michael Asher, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Rob and Callie Mae Davis and Elbert and Evie Birdwell, his sister Kay Asher, brother-in-law Jim McGhee, and parents-in-law Ben (Jodie) and Freda Bowlin.

The family visitation will be on Friday night, August 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home (4140 W Pioneer Parkway, Arlington). A celebration of Jimmy’s life will take place on Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. at Fielder Church-South Oaks Campus (5925 US 287 Frontage Road, Arlington). The graveside service will follow at 5:00 p.m. in the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, located at 2142 US 59 in Timpson, Texas. Officiants conducting the services will be Pastor Jason Paredes, Pastor Larry Dan Melton, Dr. Mark Livingston, and Pastor Tim Birdwell.

Pall bearers will be Jeremy Asher, Brian McGhee, Jeff Asher, Joel Meinert, Kris Cravens, Ben Fiedler, Jameson Ritter, and Emmit Ritter, all nephews of Mr. Birdwell. Honorary pall bearers are Chris Carroll, Carson Carroll, and Ashwin Birdwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for missions and church planting to Fielder Church in Arlington, Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, or Phoenix Bible Church in Phoenix Arizona.