Life, Legend,
Legacy
The story of James “Jim” Grady Caudle — from a mill-town street in Charlotte to a street named in his honor in Miami Springs.
“Play hard and have fun.” Jim believed that all differences in people are set aside when we come together through sports and just talk to each other.
The house on Pegram Street, Charlotte, NC 1933Charlotte beginnings
James “Jim” Grady Caudle was born April 10, 1933, in the Belmont section of North Charlotte, NC, on Pegram Street. His parents divorced during his toddler years, and his mother Ethel raised him through the Great Depression with help from Uncle Lester, who taught the boy to shoot and to love the outdoors. Family lore says his bassinet was a dresser drawer.
Jimmy and his dog Tippy, Birmingham, AL 1940sBirmingham and a dog named Tippy
When his mother married Sergeant First Class Edward “BoBo” Borek, the family moved to a US Army camp in Birmingham, Alabama, where Jimmy spent his junior high years — and where his love of baseball took hold.
At the Carlisle Drive house, Miami Springs 1945Miami Springs
The family moved to a small house on Carlisle Drive in Miami Springs, drawn by work at the newly based Eastern Airlines. The city would remain his home for the next seventy-five years.
The Miami News, April 1951 1951One of the area’s slickest infielders
At Jackson High School his ability drew notice: an April 1951 Miami News article called Jim Caudle and his teammate Costello one of the area’s slickest middle-infield duos. He graduated in June 1952 with a scholarship to the University of Miami.
Expert Rifle Medal, US Army 1953Korea
Uncle Sam came calling. Jim served in the 55th Military Police Group from 1953 to 1954 outside Uijeongbu, Seoul, Korea, on border patrol, and was awarded the Expert Rifle Medal for superior marksmanship.
Jim & Judi’s wedding, October 26, 1957 1955Miami Hurricanes
Back from service, Jim played middle infield for the 1955 and 1956 Miami Hurricanes under Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx, and earned a 1956 spring training tryout with the Cincinnati Reds. That off-season he met Judith Ferrelli, and the two were married October 26, 1957.
Recreation Center under construction, 1401 Westward Dr 1960sBuilding the recreation program
Jim built the recreation program Miami Springs still uses today — football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball in spring and summer. A full gymnasium, Olympic-size pool, library and offices followed, along with the fields across Westward Drive.
Jim as Grand Marshall, Independence Day parade LaterCouncilman and steward
Jim served two terms as an elected City Councilman, and in retirement returned to oversee the City of Miami Springs’ purchase and management of the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club.
The Jim Caudle Way dedication, Dec. 19, 2020 2020Jim Caudle Way
Jim passed on April 5, 2020. On December 19, 2020, the City dedicated a section of Westward Drive as “Jim Caudle Way,” running between the Community Center and the ballfields where his coaching career began. His Life, Legend and Legacy continue in Miami Springs today.
“Coach Jim Caudle’s fingerprints are found all throughout the City of Miami Springs and Metro Miami-Dade County.”