James G. Caldwell LtCol USAF (Ret)

James G. Caldwell LtCol USAF (Ret)

June 14, 1933 ~ April 3, 2022

Age 88

Lt Colonel James Guthrie Caldwell III was born to Junius Caldwell and Lois Rannells Caldwell in Toledo Ohio on June 14, 1933.   His fate was sealed 60 days later when Nancy Ann Gregg was born a few miles away.   Jim and Nancy both attended DeVilbiss High School and started dating in 1949. They are linked forever.

During one eventful week in June 1955, Jim graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with Nancy, married Nancy, and was commissioned in the Air Force.  And started his new life as a married Air Force officer. And soon to be the father of four.

Jim spent 23 years in the Air Force flying for the 55^th, retiring in 1978.   He was rated as a Master Navigator and was the intelligence officer for RC-135 Recon flights, gathering information to fight the cold war. His mission continues to this day as the RC-135s still fly out of Offutt Air Force Base.

After training, Jim had assignments in Topeka, Bellevue, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Mildenhall England.  He was sent all over the world on TDY’s and even flew out of North Africa in the mid-70’s for a month. Despite these global assignments, Jim and Nancy have treated Bellevue as home since 1962.

Jim was active in Real Estate as an agent for 25 years after retiring from the Air Force. His interest in real estate started in 1962 when Jim and his friend Don Jackson purchased a rental property.  This interest in real estate was a seed that grew into a tree and then a forest.

Many of you may know Jim as the dedicated servant to our Lord and a steward of the St. James Methodist Church. Jim and Nancy joined St James in January 1962. He used his organizational skills to serve on several committees: trustees, finance, outreach, evangelism, and long-range planning.  His leadership skills were demonstrated as Chair the Stewardship, Finance, and Building Committees as well as the Council of Ministry. Jim and Nancy donated funds for the East Elevator and an English Church Pew for the West Campus.

Many of you may know Jim as a committed golfer. He played thousands of rounds of golf over the years with family and friends. He passed on this passion to his children and was proud of his four holes-in-ones.

Others know Jim as an engaged Quester. He enjoyed learning from the other Questers and held his own lectures on coins, the US Mint, match box cars and various other interesting topics.

Some know Jim as an intrepid traveler. He flew all over the globe in the Air Force, but was too busy protecting the world to enjoy.  He made up for this duty bound traveling in his golden years by visiting more than 40 counties with Nancy.

Even others know Jim as a humble Rotarian. He believed in the humanitarian mission and contributed his organizational and leadership skills. He served as a President in 2006/2007

Finally, many know Jim from the 55^th Wing.  He was born on Flag Day in 1933 and was a Patriot every day of his life. He was a proud American.

God Bless Jim, a dedicated servant, husband, father, and friend.  Rest in peace.

Preceded in death by his son James G. Caldwell; sister Mary Greiner.

Survived by his wife of 66 years Nancy; children Richard Caldwell, Barbara Stephens, and Stephen Caldwell (Greta); daughter-in-law Sharon Leskanic; grandchildren Sarah and Kathryn Caldwell, Hunter, Joshua, and David Stephens, and Madeleine Caldwell.

Funeral Service: Thursday, April 14, 11:00 a.m., at St. James United Methodist Church, 1501 Franklin Street, Bellevue.

To view a video of the service, please click the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/james-g-caldwell-ltcol-usaf-ret-u3i53uxnuw90kpyc0w27

Interment: Omaha National Cemetery

Military Honors:  Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. James United Methodist Church / www.stjamesumc.church or Bellevue Rotary Club / www.bellevuerotary.org