James Allen Caldwell

james caldwell

September 2, 1942 ~ April 8, 2023

Born in: Richford, New York
Resided in: Fremont, California

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
James Allen Caldwell (Jim) left this world and was immediately held in the arms of Jesus, his Savior, breathing freely and in His presence.
Jim was born in Richford, New York, as the middle child of seven, to Ralph and Marjorie Caldwell (later Brannon) on a dairy farm.
In 1953, the Caldwell family left their snowy farm and moved to the Fremont/Newark area. All seven children and their parents traveled with limited belongings in one car to California and camped on the hills of Fremont while Ralph secured a job and home for them. Jim graduated from Washington High School in 1961. He married Elva Jane (Janie) Lobato in 1964. They were each other’s only true love and were married for 58 ½ years. In 1974, they welcomed their only child, daughter Dawn Renee. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye.
He is survived by his wife Janie of 58 ½ years; his daughter Dawn De Wulf (husband Henry) of Cottage Grove, Oregon; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law: Allison (Ryan) Kangail; Amber (Sean) Sweeney; Anissa (Korey) Klausing; April and Angelie Jaimes. Step-grandchildren: Zac, Emma, and Hank De Wulf. And his latest loves, his great-grandchildren: Remy James and Avery Renee of Oregon and Mikaela Ann of Novato.
Additionally, he is survived by his brother Louie Caldwell (Billie) of West Covina; Sisters Gwen Lopes of Medford, Oregon; Gloria (Paul) Allen of Carson City, NV; and Sally (Rick) Neves of Rocklin; step-sister Rita (Don) Beeman of Virginia; sister-in-law Ronnie Caldwell of Winston, Oregon, as well as 20 nieces and nephews and too many great-nephews and nieces to count.
He was predeceased by his father, Ralph Caldwell, mother Marjorie (Caldwell) Brannon, stepfather Lewis Brannon, brothers George (Marlene) and Richard Caldwell, and father and mother-in-law, Walter and Emily Lobato, as well as nephew Randy Caldwell.
Jim was a member of the California National Guard, where he trained military dogs, owned a gas station, worked as a construction worker, and loved photography, fishing, and collecting. However, his greatest loves were always Janie, Dawn, and, even more so, his granddaughters, who he was obsessed with. Now, those granddaughters will ensure that his spirit, love, and sense of humor will live on in his great-grandchildren. According to his girls: “He was the best Papa and Great-Papa that ever lived.” ‘His girls’ were his greatest achievement.
A family memorial will be held at a later date. No flowers, please. Any donations can be directed to Faith Chapel Assembly of God, 6656 Alisal St, Pleasanton, CA 94566.
The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh Away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

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Guestbook

  1. I love you so much papa. I will always remember you. You were the BEST papa 💕 see you in heaven 🕊️

  2. CandleI already miss you soooo much uncle! You and your slick quips and jokes. They called me little Jimmy, but I could never live up your quick wit and love for life. My memories of you will always be in my heart. I wish you could send pictures down from there. Let me know what the fishing is like and don’t catch em all before I get up there!

  3. Papa, I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you again in heaven. You are the best Papa ever and I can’t wait to give you a big hug and kiss. Not a day goes by that I don’t think if you. I love you, more ❤️ P.S. I can’t wait to ride the roller coasters with you up there!! Please watch over all of your girls.

  4. Jim you have left a wonderful family to ve proud of. Never forget to watch over all of them. Listen to the angels hovering over. See you later…..

  5. Jim you have left a wonderful family to be proud of. Never forget to watch over all of them. Listen to the angels hovering over. See you later…..

  6. Jim, although you are dearly missed, we are so thankful you are in the arms of Jesus. Your beautiful girls will forever carry on your memory..
    Love Tiffy Wiffy 💕

  7. I love you soo much, Papa and I miss you beyond words. I know you’re in heaven and completely at peace, but it still hurts no having you here. I’m so glad Avery and Remy got to be with you see you. I will always share our memories and all the fun times we had with you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I can’t wait to see again one day, Papa.

  8. Jim and I are cousins. I remember him well from the farm in Richford. We kind of lost track after the Caldwell family moved to CA, but did get together once in CA and a couple of times in NYS. I remember him fondly.

  9. I feel very lucky to have had Uncle Jimmy in my life.
    He always made me laugh!
    Growing up he was always at the center of shenanigans.
    He was truly a wonderful person who will always remain in my memories.
    See you in heaven…
    Susan


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