On November 4, 2012, at 10:00 am, James Stafford Caldwell is now in the arms of his Heavenly Father whom he loved and served throughout his life. He was 89 years young.
Stafford was born June 24, 1923, Jasper, FL and was the ninth child of Ben M. Caldwell and Tobitha Clardy Caldwell, with two brothers and six sisters.
He enlisted and served in the Army Air Force 1943-1946 in WWII. He returned home and married “the love of his life” Nora Evelyn Scaff of Jasper, Florida on July 6, 1947.
After service he attended Abraham Baldwin Forestry College in Tifton, Georgia and the University of Florida Forestry School. He obtained his pilot license, was elected and served as chair of the Jasper Council and served as Acting Mayor, Jasper, FL. He owned the Jasper Newspaper of Hamilton County which was founded by his grandfather, John Madison Caldwell.
Stafford moved to Gainesville, Florida with his wife Evelyn and daughters and began his 35 year career with the Gainesville Sun. He began his career on November 24, 1954 when the Gainesville Sun was still Pepper Printing Company. His first job was publishing the Florida Alligator. There were 55 employees. He retired from the Gainesville Sun as news Graphic Supervisor in 1988.
Stafford was a lifelong Mason. In 1942, he joined the John M. Caldwell Grand Lodge No. 70, in Jasper, Florida which was named after his grandfather.
Stafford was a member of York Rites, Gainesville, Florida and the 32nd Degree Scottish Rites, Ocala, Florida and a Charter Member of Veteran Foreign Wars Post 8095 in Jasper, Florida
Stafford enjoyed fishing, camping and canoeing with his brothers and grandsons. His grandsons still reminisce about when they used to go canoeing with their PaPa. His love for children was evident when he was Santa Clause at his daughter’s day care center for thirty-five years.
Stafford was a member of Highlands Presbyterian Church for 48 years and served on the session, as an Elder, Worship Committee, Communion Director, Finance Committee and always gave his heart- felt support and devotion to the church, members and the late Reverend William E. “Bill” Shea.
Stafford and Evelyn are members of Grace Presbyterian Church and has been their home of worship for the last ten years where he continued his heartfelt devotion and support to the church, members and Minister Reverend Richard Palmer. The church members, Reverend Palmer and the fellowship and friendships at Grace Presbyterian Church have been a special blessing.
Stafford was preceded in death by his parents, Ben M. Caldwell and Tobitha Clardy Caldwell, one brother and four sisters and son-n-law (Bill Young). Stafford is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Evelyn, daughters, Noralyn Jones (Cary V. Jones), Jamie Hill (Cary Duane Hill), Susan Williams (Bill Williams), of Gainesville, FL, Connie Smith (Woody Smith) of Williston, FL and Glenda Young of Homeland, FL, 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren and two sisters Jerri Brooke and Martha Mitchell, and one brother Carlton Caldwell.
Stafford has stated, “I have been blessed to have the fellowship friendships in my church of worship, and blessed to have the love of my life, my wife Evelyn, my five daughters, and grandchildren during my life!”
Funeral Services for Stafford Caldwell will be held Thursday, November 8, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13 Street, Gainesville, Florida.
As a veteran of WWII, Stafford’s wish was to have a military burial and interment in The Forest Meadows Military Garden of Honor on Hawthorne Road in Gainesville, FL.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 or John M. Caldwell Grand Lodge No. 70, P. O. Box 85, Jasper, FL 32052, C/O Louis Hans.
Dear Jones Family,
I am sorry to here of the ,passing of Mr. Caldwell. I worked for Nora Lynn at The Children’s Center. I myself just lost my mom 2 and half weeks ago at the age of 92, you can find her in here to Felice Ricci.
If you would like to keep in touch with me, you can call me at 352-485-1183.
Again I am sorry for your loss.
Marianne Ricci
Amy Sue helped me too with my mom.
Dear Family, We were so sorry to hear of the death of our beloved Uncle Stafford. Mom has so many fond memories of growing up with him. I always enjoyed seeing him at the family events and when he came to visit my Grandmother in Jasper. He was a true Southern gentleman–with love of God, family, and country. We know his loss will not be easy for all of us, especially for you, his immediate family. Knowing that he is at home with our Lord and the rest of our loved ones should give us a little peace. Keep his memories sacred and we will be reunited with him someday. Love to all of you-much prayers and hugs from far away. God’s blessings on you as you prepare to say the final goodbye tomorrow. Dottie and Dorothy
Jamie – My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad. I know his loss is going to leave a big hole in your hearts. The many stories you’ve shared with me along with the words on his life have been a great testimony to the wonderful father and husband that he was and the great love he had for his family and friends. Not only has your family lost a great man but the country has lost another hero and productive member of society. My continued prayers for you and your family that God will comfort each of you in your time of grief and that the many wonderful memories that you share will continue to give him life in your hearts.
All my love to you and if I can do anything for you just let me know.
Jenai and Alexander
Jamie (Meema):
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I know that his loss is a great one that is felt by all. Please take great comfort in knowing that his memory will forever be etched in your heart and in the hearts of many.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family and comfort you in your time of grief.
Always and forever……I love you!!
Richard, Jessenia and Jonathan
Stafford Caldwell was the first printer, boss, and good friend I had the pleasure of meeting when I started at the Gainesville Sun in 1970.
Satfford was always in a good mood, ready to laugh, and took the newspaper business very seriously.
I brag on being a second genration newspaperman. Satfford Caldwell was the personification of all newspaper business lovers!
Stafford Caldwell was my boss when I worked part-time in paste-up at the Gainesville Sun in the late 70s to early 80s. He was a kind and generous man and a key person mentoring me in what would become my career.
My prayers are with his family and I grateful to be one of the many, many people who are blessed to have known him.
Tom Burton
Dear Connie, Woody & Family,
Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that times like these are hard, but we know that God is faithful and will give you all the strength needed to press on.
We didn’t know Mr. Caldwell, but everything we read, talks about the fine man he was. God certainly gave him many long years and that is truely a blessing.
Our love & prayers,
Goz & Anneil
You can also text me at 352- 672-0892