James Edward Cathcart

PANTEGO -- James Edward Cathcart, 88, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Arlington. Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Lane C. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the University of Texas at Arlington Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball scholarship fund. Mailing address: University of Texas at Arlington Movin' Mavs, Maverick Activities Center, 500 W. Nedderman Arlington, TX 76019. James was born November 22, 1926 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Bertha and Patrick Henry Cathcart. He graduated from Little Rock High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II from 1945 to 1946. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, playing for the Razorback basketball team for four years. James was the first Arkansas player to be drafted into the pro leagues and played five years of professional basketball. His career in Arkansas public schools included five years as basketball coach at Little Rock Central High followed by serving as the first athletic director for the Hot Springs school district. James was named Director of Admissions for the Oaklawn Jockey Club following his retirement from public school service. He is preceded in death by his parents, and 12 brothers and sisters. Survivors: Wife, Julie Owen Cathcart; son, James Cathcart; daughter, Becky Garner and son-in-law, Doug Garner; grandsons, Tyler Garner of Arlington, and Mike Garner and daughter-in-law, Sarah Garner of Wichita, Kansas. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233