James Paul McCall

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June 17, 1943 - March 7, 2026
Dr. James "Jim" McCall Jr., a respected horseman, devoted husband, and father, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, leaving behind a tremendous legacy.
Born on June 17, 1943, Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Paul McCall; his mother, Minnie Frances McCall; and his uncle and lifelong friend, Jackie Gunnels.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lynda McCall. He is also survived by his children, Sean McCall and wife Tammy, Kate Wilcox and husband James, Carey Herold and husband Henry, Colleen Kennedy, James Paul McCall III, and Maggie Surbrook. His heritage further lives on through 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Jim graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961 and earned his Ph.D., Doctor of Reproductive Physiology from Texas A&M University in 1972. A cowboy at heart, Jim was a man of many accomplishments. He developed "Tackless Training," a revolutionary method that improved equine communication and behavior by training horses through body language and trust rather than the use of saddles or bridles. This unique approach is now accepted internationally.
Beyond his groundbreaking training methods, Jim established and directed influential equine programs at Texas A&M, the University of Maryland, and Louisiana Tech University.
A prolific author and professional consultant, Jim published several books, including “Influencing Horse Behavior,” and hundreds of articles for leading publications such as The Quarter Horse Journal, Western Horseman, and several other well-respected magazines.
A highly accomplished horseman, Jim competed in the world of cutting, earning numerous championships and widespread recognition. Those who followed his competitions will never forget "Tippy the Magic horse.”
In 1992, Jim and Lynda established The Old Place, his ancestral home, in Mount Holly, Arkansas. By choosing to return and build his training and breeding legacy in Mount Holly rather than at a major university hub, he reinforced his family’s century-long tie to the Arkansas community.
Jim dedicated his life to imparting the wisdom he gathered from his professors, old cowboys, and the more than t2,000 students who challenged him to keep learning so he could answer their unending expansive questions. Most importantly, he remained a student among the only ones who can truly teach horse training: the horses themselves.
A man of absolute integrity, Jim believed deeply in respect and clear communication in both the human and horse worlds. If he said something, he meant it, and his word was his bond.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., in Magnolia, with a memorial service at 10 a.m. A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held following the memorial.
Pallbearers will be Doug Blackwell, Thomas Riddell, Ron Nash, Henry Herold, Darien Martin and Austin Wise.
Jim will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire and make a difference in the world of horsemanship.

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