Nov. 25, 1955 - April 19, 2012
ELKHART — James Edward Calvert, 56, of Elkhart, has died following an extended and intermittent illness. The peaceful passing of Jim’s spirit came April 19, 2012, after his having received the Last Rites of the Catholic Church and being surrounded by loved ones and the calming peace of the Lord.
Jim was born Nov. 25, 1955, in Elkhart to John E. and Marguerite (Weber) Calvert. Both parents survive.
Jim is also survived by his daughters, Samantha (Brian) Wittenberg of Three Rivers, Mich., and Jessica Calvert of Indianapolis. Samantha’s family includes Jim’s two grandchildren, Tearra and Tyler, along with stepgrandchildren Kirstin and Brady. Also surviving are his brother, John R. Calvert of Elkhart; his sister, Mary M. Calvert with nephew Ryan of Odenton, Md.; and his sister, Catherine A. (Clyde) Prestly of Tombstone, Ariz., with niece Brittney and nephews Anthoney, Tyler and Nicholas.
Jim was a 1974 graduate of Elkhart Central High School who continued his education with post-secondary studies, particularly in computer sciences. He had been employed in production, design, sales and management capacities in the RV industry prior to founding RV Xcessories, his Internet-based retail distribution company.
Among Jim’s interests were fishing, hunting and target shooting, travel, cooking, poker and chess, along with various diverse intellectual pursuits. His greatest earthly love was always for his family. In his final days as throughout his life, Jim engaged in the exchange and expression of this love and the love shared with his dearest friends.
Jim was a kind, loving and generous man. He was widely known and well-liked. He will be remembered for the loyalty and sincerity of his friendship, his wry wit and poignant sense of humor. His smiles were priceless. Jim was a good and admirable man, ever reliable and always true to his word. He will be missed by those who have known and loved him. The remembrances of his daughters in particular cite Jim as their protector, friend and hero whose guiding example of strength, character and faith endures.
Having overcome leukemia in 2008, Jim returned to a full and active life until secondary complications arose. With inspiring courage and incredible dignity, Jim battled ensuing respiratory and other medical issues. As his body weakened, his spirit was strengthened. The peace of the Holy Spirit coming from Jim’s belief in Christ and life beyond the grave embraced and emboldened him. In facing his own mortality, he was a reflection of this peace. Jim was able to make the ultimately courageous decision to forego extended artificial life support and to claim his place in heaven in reunion with loved ones already there and in waiting for those he would be leaving behind.
A gathering of friends and family to honor and remember Jim will be Friday, May 11, 2012, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A brief prayer service will conclude the evening. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and his earthly remains will be interred in a private ceremony at the Calvert family plot in Rice Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the James E. Calvert Memorial Fund for an education fund for his children c/o the funeral home. To share a memory of Jim or to send a condolence visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.
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