James David Caldwell

Jim was the oldest of three children. Born June 12, 1938, his parents were Diamond Brady (Jim) Caldwell and Lillian Gunter. He served in the Army from 1956 – 1960. He held various jobs until he started as a Natural Resource Police Officer, where he served 17 years. He took a year’s leave of absence in 1985 to try working as an upholster in business with his wife, Carolyn. At the end of the year, he felt it would work and left the police force in 1986. He continued in the upholstery business until he retired at age 68 on December 31, 2006. After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and reading. In 1990, he became a member of Galilee Lutheran Church in Chester, MD. He served as Usher, Lector, Sunday School Teacher, Council President, and Treasurer. His greatest pride was serving as Elder for 25 years. He stepped down from that position when his memory started to fail and his ability to read was difficult. He was married to the love of his life, Carolyn Abrams, on Valentine’s Day of 1974, and raised three great sons, Craig, Cary, and Brian. He was a member of the Queenstown Lions Club. He also volunteered in 1976 to become Cub Master of Cub Pack 148. His first-born son was only a year-old. Under his guidance for the next 14 years, the Pack grew to over 50 boys. He helped with the Troop until his sons stopped scouting. In 2020, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and in December of 2022, his health started declining, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his sons, Craig, Cary, and Brian; his cousins, Linda Hirsch (John) and Bill Gunter; sisters-in-law, Jean Soper, Susan Carter (Gene), Arlene Abrams, Brenda Albright (Bob), and Alberta Lambert (Earl); brothers-in-law, Norman Abrams (Sharon), Douglas Abrams (Lisa), Philip Abrams, Sr. (Anna); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters, Betty McCormick and Mary Caldwell. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Galilee Lutheran Church in Chester, Compass Hospice in Centreville, Chesapeake Charities (for the “Caring & Sharing Fund” which helps residents of Queen Anne's Co. with housing, utilities, or medical in emergency situations), or The Alzheimer’s Association.

James David Caldwell

June 12, 1938 - April 29, 2023