Windows up, hearts down as Miami Springs honors a fallen leader

Former Miami Springs Councilman Jim Caudle was honored recently with a drive-by memorial in front of his home.

Caudle died April 5 at age 86.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, dozens of mask-wearing mourners honked, waved, and wept as they rode up and down the 1200 block of Ibis Avenue on April 10, paying tribute to a beloved man at his “front-yard office.”

Originally from North Carolina, Caudle exuded Southern grace and charm.

An all-star baseball player at Miami Jackson Senior High, Caudle went on to play for the University of Miami under Coach Jimmie Foxx. His hopes of playing in the majors were dashed when he was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

When he returned home, he opted for a career with the Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Dept., a job he relished for 40 years.

Aside from his love of sports, he was known about Miami Springs as one of the most well-liked and respected elected officials in the city’s history.

“Jim saw my young daughter looking at a set of children’s golf clubs and asked if we played golf,” said Miami Springs Councilwoman Maria Mitchell, who recalled when, in 1995, she passed by Caudle’s garage sale.

Caudle insisted she take the clubs for free so they could enjoy the game as a family.

“Whenever I pass by their home, I remember that kind and friendly gentleman who wanted others to enjoy golf,” Mitchell said.

Family came first for Caudle. He especially adored his five grandchildren and encouraged them to “play hard and have fun.”

While not an official landmark, Caudle’s home across from the canal was known to many. If his garage door was up, there was a good chance Caudle was nearby on a lawn chair keeping office hours.

“A dear friend of many years, fellow veteran and councilman, icon of the golf and recreation circuits, tremendously loving family man, and now he belongs to the ages,” said Councilman Bob Best, a longtime neighbor.

Caudle resided in Miami Springs for 50 years and was honored by the city as a pioneer, Best said. He was added to the city’s ‘Wall of Fame.’

For decades, one of Caudle’s favorite pastimes was waving at friends and locals as they whisked by. And for those who stopped, either by car or foot, time stood still as Caudle shared stories and laughs with his disarming Southern drawl.

On Good Friday night, mourners from around the county passed by Caudle’s “office” to pay tribute to a man who touched hearts with the most human of gestures: a smile.

Caudle died the way he lived, peacefully, holding his wife Judi’s hand.