![James Cavender, founder of Cavender’s, dies at age 87](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2018/05/cavenders.png?w=980&q=75)
James Cavender, founder of Cavender’s, dies at age 87
The hat, the boots, the western wear. That's what comes to mind when talking about Cavender's. The store is legendary, born in East Texas, and we've learned that it's founder has passed away.
KLTV reports that patriarch James Cavender died Tuesday morning after being in and out of the hospital from time to time. Cavender's Chief Financial Officer, Jim Thompson, confirmed it to KLTV, saying it was a surprise and somewhat unexpected.
James opened his first business, a burger restaurant, in 1957 in Pittsburg, Texas and it was a hit. Eight years later, he took another chance and opened his first clothing store in the same town.
There are now 50 Cavender's stores around the country, and remains a family operation.
More From KLAW-FM
![President George H. W. Bush Dead at 94](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2017/01/GettyImages-82638253.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![David Irwin, ETX Philanthropist, Car Dealer Dies](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2018/10/David-Irwin.png?w=980&q=75)
![Texoma Legend Nat Fleming Dies](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2018/08/Nat_Fleming.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Texas Child Dies After Game of Hide and Seek Goes Wrong](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2018/04/546899857_750x422.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![North Texas Attorney Brian Loncar Found Dead in Dallas](http://townsquare.media/site/111/files/2016/12/brian-loncar-youtube.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Larry ‘Coach’ Nash Dies at 46](http://townsquare.media/site/176/files/2015/02/Larry-Nash-Facebook-630x420.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two People Killed by Camel in Wichita County](http://townsquare.media/site/176/files/2015/01/Camel-at-Camel-Kisses-Camel-Farm.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE: Arrest Warrant Issued in Death of Wichita Falls Child](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2014/01/police-lights.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Is What Happens to an Adult When You Leave Him in a Hot Car [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/96/files/2014/07/Nate.jpg?w=980&q=75)