CEARLEY, JAMES WHITMAN (1936~2002) James Whitman Cearley was born January 29, 1936, in Dallas, Texas to John Walton and Dorothy Marie Cearley. After graduating from Irving High School in 1953, he joined his father and uncle as a monument carver in Austin, where he began working for Stasswender Memorials.
Throughout his nearly fifty-year career, Cearley worked on numerous state projects. Since 1957, he added every name to the State Fireman's and Fire Marshal's Association of Texas memorial on the Capitol grounds, as well as carving the seals over the portico on the Capitol's southern entrance. Many of his works can be seen in the Texas State Cemetery. Most notably are the headstones of former Governor John B. Connally, and Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, as well as the Medal of Honor and the Gold Star Mothers monuments.
Cearley passed away on August 8, 2002, and was buried in the Texas State Cemetery three days later.
Information taken from Austin American-Statesman obituary, August 10, 2002, and "Monumental man memorialized politicians, war veterans in stone," Austin American-Statesman, August 10, 2002. |
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