James Lee Caldwell, Sr.
September 4, 1925 ~ June 6, 2020
James L. Caldwell, Sr., 94, long time resident of Vienna, Virginia and a founding member of Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church (OLGC) passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020. He was a veteran from his service in the Navy in World War II, serving initially in Bahia, Brazil swimming the wheels out to the sea planes, braving the piranha infested Amazon River to bring the planes ashore. He later served as a cook on several ships making his way eventually into Tokyo Harbor after the surrender of Japan. After the war, he worked for a few years at the Andrews Paper Company, and then went into the Federal Service as a draftsman at the Army Map Service and later at the Geological Survey as supervisor of the publications section. He retired from the Geological Survey in the early 80’s. He was a great dad, who during his working years, worked tirelessly to support his family, sometimes holding down three jobs to make ends meet. He did volunteer work at the church and for the community. He was an artist at heart and painted both in oils and water colors. A devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. His wife of 69 years predeceased him on April 2, 2020. He is survived by his four children, Delia, Timothy (wife Barbara), Christopher (wife Lucy) and James Jr. (wife Ginger); grandchildren: Meg, Sara, Marie, Gus, and Jack; and great grandchildren: Finn, Cael, Molly, and Kingston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182 on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 11 am with interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park (graveside services restricted to family).
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Having gone to high school with Mr. C’s son Jimmy and been post college roommates, I got to know the entire Caldwell family well. On beach vacations, at crab feasts or at their home, Mr. C and Mrs. C always treated me as a member of the family, with consideration and humor. Some fond memories among many was watching Mr. C dance the jitterbug with my wife Deb at the Moose club crab feasts we went to in Wheaton, Maryland, and our crabbing expedition on the Eastern Shore where he dangled a caught live crab stuck in a net over my head, for which I mistakenly blamed Jimmy. Mr. C could tell a good joke, usually with a knowing twinkle in his eye at the punchline. He was a generous, fun loving man and an accomplished artist, who gave me a few of his paintings. God rest.
In 1963, I was a 3rd year Commercial Art student at the University of Maryland, and I was so fortunate to get a summer job at the Geological Survey in Silver Spring, where Jim Caldwell would be my boss. I so enjoyed working for him, and he taught me so much. Since then, over all these years, we had stayed in touch, and the last time we spoke was June 1st, or a day or two before that, and the last thing Jim said to me was “I love you.” It so touched me, and I told him that I loved him, too. I called him again on June 7th, and when he didn’t pick up the phone, I got through to the nurse’s station to ask if he was OK. The nurse gave me the sad news. May your father’s memory be for a blessing. He was so very special to all who knew him. A warm, wonderful, caring man, a gifted artist, a kind soul. Sincerely, Tahma Metz metz1960@verizon.net
To the family of James Caldwell Sr, my condolences. I especially want to reach out to Jim Caldwell Jr. Jim and I knew each other from OLGC and Bishop O’Connell days, and have lost touched. However, the memories are still fresh, and I hurt for you and the family during this time of grief. You all are in my prayers. Gordon Johnson, (757) 814-9939.
A candle was lit for the decedent.