James Edwin Calder

James Edwin Calder, age 81, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away Sunday Morning, April 21, 2013 at War Memorial Hospital. James was born on January 18, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the late George Robert and Laura Mae (Howard) Calder. He graduated from Sault High School with the Class of 1949. He continued his education by attending the Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology, finishing his educational years at Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Sciences. A United States Army veteran, James served his country during the Korean War. Not long after his honorable discharge from the Army, James embarked on a long and distinguished career in municipal government, commencing the journey by serving the City of Sault Ste. Marie in the office of the City Assessor. In 1969 he became the City Manager of Beverly Hills, Michigan, serving in that capacity until 1974. He finished his career in city government with the city of Oak Park, Michigan, serving in many capacities including Assistant City Manager, Acting City Manager, and Finance Director. In spite of spending most of his career in the metro Detroit area, the Soo meant the most to him. The proudest achievement of his entire professional life was his integral role on the ground floor in the conception and implementation of the Community Action Agency in Sault Ste. Marie. James enjoyed boating, baseball, and hockey, but his true passion was hockey. He coached at the Mite level for several years with the Birmingham Hockey Association, in which role he also happened to be his son Matthew's first coach. He loved the atmosphere of live hockey, bestowing his love for the sport on his son through many trips to the "Old Red Barn", Olympia stadium in Detroit. A fan through and through, he stuck with his Wings even through the worst of years. The tradition he began with Matthew continued in his later years, during which he would enjoy taking in the occasional Red Wing game at Joe Louis arena with one of his two closest friends, Terry James and Steve Skoros. James spent most of his adult life in southeastern Michigan, but for him, Sault Ste. Marie was always home. James would return in 2010 after more than fifty years away. Most important to James was his love for Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He may have returned home to Sault Ste. Marie in 2010, but his real homecoming would take place three years later. In his own words, James had lived a blessed life and was looking forward to "going home to be with the Lord". He did just that, going home to be with his Lord on April 21, 2013. James is survived by his son: Matthew (Diana) Calder of Sault Ste Marie, MI; one sister: Patricia (Bob) Atkins of Show Low, AZ; a brother-in-law: Don Eckardt of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; and a special friend: Delores James of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He is also survived by nieces and nephews too many to name but all dear to him. James was preceded in death by his wife Beth L. (Tenny) Calder and siblings Bob Calder, Dorothy Eckardt, and infant sister Elizabeth. At James' request, no funeral service will be held.

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James Edwin Calder

January 18, 1932 - April 21, 2013