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The Cavender Family - 2019

  • Writer: TCHOF
    TCHOF
  • Nov 12, 2018
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 24


Induction Year: 2019

Founders: James Robert Cavender (1931–2018) & Patricia “Pat” Cavender (1932-2019) Headquarters: Tyler, Texas

Industry: Western Wear Retail

Primary Role: Entrepreneurs, Business Owners

Known For: Founding and expanding Cavender’s Western Wear to over 130 stores across 19 states; preserving Texas culture; family-run business model


Early Life of James Cavender

James Robert Cavender was born in 1931 in Idabel, Oklahoma. Raised during the post-Depression era, he developed a strong work ethic early, spending his youth hunting, fishing, and riding horses. His parents, L.O. and Loyce Cavender, ran multiple businesses including an appliance store, gas station, and motel, and were involved in cattle.


James attended Kemper Military Academy and then Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), graduating in 1952 with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. Military service called him to the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a First Lieutenant. After completing his tour in 1955, James married Pat Whitten and moved to Dallas, Texas.


Founding Cavender’s

In 1965, in the quiet East Texas town of Pittsburg, James and Patricia “Pat” Cavender took a leap of faith, opening a small Western store with a big dream. What started as a single storefront has grown into America’s go-to destination for the finest Western boots, jeans, and hats for the whole family. James built Cavender’s Boot City on grit, integrity, and a deep love for the Western way of life. These core values have fortified and supported Cavender’s expansion to over 100 stores in more than 15 states.


Likewise, Cavender’s offer top brands including Ariat, Wrangler, Stetson, and Resistol, and its exclusive lines—Rafter C, Rockin C, and JRC & Sons. This extensive selection ensures customers’ wardrobes are as authentic and enduring as their lifestyles.


James’s sons—Joe, Mike, and Clay—joined the business as teenagers and have each played a key role in its growth. Joe Cavender went on to serve as president, Clay leads merchandising, and Mike oversees operations and store expansion.


Legacy and Impact

Inspired by the Western lifestyle and culture, Cavender’s has been a leader in Western fashion for more than 60 years. As the Cavender family puts it: “We will always remain true to who we are and what we stand for—the Western way of life.”


Cavender’s — Best of the West.

Rooted in strong values like hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition, the Cavender family has remained closely involved in shaping the brand—from merchandising to store experience—while building lasting relationships with employees and customers alike. Many team members have been part of the Cavender’s story for decades, reflecting a culture of loyalty and commitment.

 

Beyond business, the family has played an active role in celebrating and preserving Texas heritage. James Cavender was inducted into the Western Image Awards Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2019, the Cavender family was honored with induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and in 2023, they received the Texas Historical Foundation’s Star of Texas Award for their contributions to preserving and promoting Texas culture. Cavender’s Boot City also marked 60 years of dedication to the Western way of life in 2025.


Today, Cavender’s continues to build on its legacy, offering high-quality western wear, boots, and apparel while staying true to the traditions and spirit that have defined the brand for generations. Shop at www.cavenders.com.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Year

Updates

1987

Joe, Mike, and James Cavender at a meet and greet with George Strait at the Hurst, Texas Cavender’s store.

1994

James and Patricia’s (Pat's) eldest son, Joe Cavender, takes the reins and becomes the company president.

1995

The Cavender family celebrates the 30th anniversary of Cavender's Boot City—now up to 31 stores throughout Texas.    

2003

 

Cavender's ventures outside of Texas for the first time—opening stores in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The store count is now up to 42 with approximately 800 employees.

2012

 

The Cavender’s come together for a family photo at their Neches River Ranch in Jacksonville, TX.

2015

 

Cavender's celebrates 50 years in the Western retail business and now has 70 stores across 8 states.

2015

Jacqueline Cavender releases her new cookbook, As the Spur Stirs, benefiting the American Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis research.

2015

 

The Rafter C brand launches with shirts designed by Clay Cavender. In the same year, Cavender's teams up with Old Gringo Boots to introduce the new Cavender’s Boot Collection.

2016

Cavender’s partners with Luskey’s/Ryon’s to become Cavender’s Stockyards Outfitter in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

 

We mourn the loss of founder James R. Cavender (March 22, 1931-May 29, 2018).

He was a pioneer in the industry and a friend to us all. His work ethic remains ingrained in the heart of Cavender’s as a company and a family. We continue to honor his legacy.



2019

 

A year of recognition—the Cavender family receives two prestigious honors by being inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

2019

 

We mourn the loss of founder Patricia “Pat” Cavender (August 5, 1932 – July 31, 2019).

Pat was a loving, hard-working wife, mother, and grandmother who always put others before herself. She traveled the country decorating Cavender’s stores for many years. She was known for her giving nature, art, design, and decorating ability, the delicious feasts she served, and her quick wit and wry sense of humor.

2020

 

Georgia welcomes Cavender's as three Horsetown stores become Cavender's Horsetown.

2020

Cavender's opens its new home office in Tyler, TX, while stores remain open as providers of essential work wear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

 

Cavender's launches the Rockin' C brand of ladies' wear designed to honor our Western heritage with timeless pieces.

2021

 

Cavender's expands with another family-owned western wear retailer—PFI Western in Springfield, MO.

2024

Cavender’s proudly opens its 100th store in Cedar Park, Texas—right in our home state.

2025

 

Cavender’s celebrates 60 years of dedication to the Western lifestyle and commitment to customers by delivering the top-quality products at affordable prices.

 

 

Honors and Recognition

  • Western Image Awards Hall of Fame (James Cavender, 1998)

  • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction (Cavender Family, 2019)

  • Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction (Cavender Family, 2019)

  • Texas Historical Foundation Star of Texas Award (2023)

  • Celebrated 60 years (2025)


Links and References

 

 

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