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James Calamito Obituary
12/3/60-2/27/12
James Calamito, formerly of Suffern, NY, passed away Feb. 27th in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jimmy (as he was called) graduated from Suffern High School in 1979. He graduated from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. with a degree in business. Prior to his illness, he was employed for many years by Carlisle Food Services, Oklahoma City. He was Vice-President International Div., of Carlisle, which took him around the world. Jim raised and showed champion English Mastiffs as a hobby. Predeceased in death by his father, Frank and a sister, Theresa Calamito-Duffy. He is survived by his wife, Heidi of Oklahoma; mother, Norma Calamito, Florida; sister, Maria Calamito-Proto (Randy), Connecticut; brother, Tom Calamito (Irene), Florida; nieces, Kristin and Melissa; and nephew, Christopher. Jimm was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date in Oklahoma. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. All arrangements were made in Oklahoma City, Ok.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Calamito
Steven Rabkin
February 24, 2020
My dear friend Jim,gone but never forgotten.
Amber Cortinas
December 19, 2012
Jim is my Godfather, I met him a few times when i was very, very young. I have fond memories that I will keep and cherish forever in my heart. I wish I could have seen you one more time. I love you forever Uncle Jim.
Brad Ems
August 26, 2012
RIP, my bother. I shed a bitter tear at learing of your passing. We'll laugh again one day. - kai -
Lina Tomoyasu
August 16, 2012
I just happened to be thinking about Jim and where he might be now, and came across this page online. I am truly shocked and my heart goes out to his family. I knew Jim through Carlisle and he was a great man to have known. He will be missed very much.
Jennifer dupree
July 4, 2012
Heidi I just found out about Jim im so sorry for your loss He would always bring bob to see me at the store he will be missed and im praying for you and your family
Susan Hopkins Warneke
March 29, 2012
It was my pleasure and privilege to know Jim for more than 20 years as a colleague and friend. Words cannot express my sorrow and regret for his illness and death after such a short life. Jim made a positive impact on my life as well as my career. I will never forget him.
May he rest in peace.
Cindy Sweeney
March 13, 2012
Heidi, Norma, Tommy and Maria, There are no words that can express how deeply sad I feel because not only did we lose Jimmy, but you are all mourning again too soon after losing Theresa, and that is terribly sad. Jimmy's smile was his trademark, and we all miss that and regret he was not here to live a long life, living strong and up to his gifted potential. You are all in my prayers I love you all very much. Rest in Peace dear cousin. xoxo
Andrew Sadock
March 10, 2012
Heidi and Calamito Family,
I send you my heartfelt condolences with regard to Jim's premature passing. He was a brother to me (in every sense). Jim had "IT" - a seldom combination of spark, charisma and talent that were without compare. I sincerely don't know what else to say - but tried to give an example of our connection and, moreso, Jim's character, in the form of a story (that I gave to Heidi). The story recalledhow Jim saved my life (in a spiritual/emotional sense) when I was 26 (Jim was 23). We took a long motorcycle trip together that changed my life. We played rugby together. We studied together. He lived in the same dorm room that I resided in Freshman year (out of 2,000 dorm rooms on campus). We were connected. And I feel we will remain heart-connected forever. I assure you that Jim was a warrior on the rugby pitch. Equally he was a warrior in his final days - we spoke often, he never complained. He seemed to accept the inevitable with courage, strength and grace. For that reason I was shocked when I learned that he was on his death-bed, as we spoke during the preceding week, and he gave no clue as to the dire nature of the situation. Again, he was a warrior. A gentleman always. A scholar. My brother.
March 9, 2012
Dear Son Jimmy: I will love you forever and know in my heart we will meet again.No more suffering Jimmy, you are now at peace with God, Dad, Theresa and so many family members.....Love, Mom
Uncle Fred & Aunt Betty Stickle
March 6, 2012
My dealing Jimmy our hearts are aching but are comforted that you are with God. We will miss your calls but have our many happy memories of that cute little curly headed boy that didn't want to get on the train without Uncle Fred and only did so because of the (promise that Uncle Fred would be on the next train because he "owned the train" and could visit any time. We love you unconditionally. Aunt Betty and Uncle Fred
Tom van der Borg
March 5, 2012
Dear Heidi and family, people his age don't die was my first thought when confronted with the news of him passing away. During my 14 years with Carlisle Jim and I worked together as a team in the international arena. His product and market knowledge were unmatched, his drive beyond comparison. I missed him during the past 5 years, but now more than ever. My thoughts are with you.
March 4, 2012
Heidi and Family
We were extremely sorry to hear about your great loss. Jim was such a great influence on everyone around him. Kind, sincere, friendly, funny. We so enjoyed the time we spent with you after bringing Tory into our family.We pray for your comfort and strength.
Kay and Chelsea Rodgers
Mike and Tina Reeves
March 4, 2012
Dear Heidi,
Both you and Jim were a terrific blessing to Tina and I through the both of you selling us Goliath. I will never forget how after Goliath passed you and Jim found us way up here in South Dakota to give us your condolences. That meant more to us than you will ever know. Thank you for your friendship through all these years. We are so sorry and terribly saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I pray for your peace during this time. Praying for you.
Mike Melarkey
March 4, 2012
Dear Heidi,
Jim had a smile that could light up a room.......I'm so sorry to hear of this. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Cathy Ellington
March 3, 2012
A beautiful mind....a mentor...a class act! Jim Calamito was all that and more!
Words are weak and never enough to expunge the pain of losing a loved one. I am so sorry for you Heidi and the Calamito family. But please know that Jim left an indelible mark on so many lives....and we are all richer for knowing him and having him in our lives.
RIP Jim...we will meet again down the road!
Jean-Francois Versele
March 2, 2012
Dear family, I have known Jim for almost 20 years first at Carlisle and afterwards at Edlund. I will always remember him as a nice and gentle hardworker. I am sorry he passed away so young. I will remember him in my prayers
Lisa Rogers
March 2, 2012
Heidi and Family
I was very saddened to hear the news of Jim passing away. Jim was a terrific mentor, and great boss. Jim offered me learning and advancing opportunites in International business as well as domestic sales with Carlisle Food Service Products that I will forever treasure. He will be sorely missed.
Lisa Stevenson Rogers
Terri Stowell Kochersperger
March 2, 2012
The Stowell family sends their love to the family. We are very saddened by the news. We have many wonderful and fun memories as neighbhorhood friends growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lou Manganiello
March 2, 2012
dear heidi, it was just by chance i saw jimmy's obituary. i considered him my best friend for many years. i loved him like a brother i used to visit him in chicago every labor day. we had lost contact in recent years but i always hoped we'd reconnect. i didn't even know he was ill. God bless him.
S. van den Berg
March 2, 2012
Our sincere condolences... We wish the family strength in this difficult time.
Hank Henninger
March 1, 2012
My condolences to the Calamito Family.
marilyn vogel mcdonald.
March 1, 2012
Heidi and the calamito family. My heart is heavy today as I heard of jims passing. Jim was my boss, co worker at carlisle and my friend for many years There will never be another like him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 1, 2012
Heidi, I first met Jim in the mid-80s when he went to work for SiLite as their national account specialist. At that time, I was his rep in Southern California. His good humor, professional attitude and genuine concern for others will be sorely missed. I am very sorry for your loss. Tom Wilhelm
March 1, 2012
Dear Mrs. Calamito, Please accept my deep condolences for the loss of Jim. I worked with him in the International foodservice market for many years, and Jim was always willing to help when there were questions about how to go to market in a given area of the world. He was smart and passionate about the markets he served. The industry has lost a true professional. With sincere regrets,
Carol Wallace, CEO, Cooper-Atkins Corporation
Steven Rabkin
March 1, 2012
Heidi,I was so saddenned to hear of Jim's passing.I feel that I have lost a true friend.Our memories go back over 20 years and we shared some great times.His enthusiasm and support was second to none,and he will be greatly missed.My deepest sympath to you,his friends and his family.
Tanja Kulezic
March 1, 2012
I have worked with Jim at Carlisle FoodService Products for over 10 years and knew him as a very dedicated person. I was shocked to hear of his passing. For his family my sincere condolences and strength in this difficult time.
Maria Mineo
February 29, 2012
My heart goes out to the Calamito family. I am so saddened by the news of Jimmy's passing. We shared so much during our days together at Washington University. Although Jimmy and I were out of touch for many years, I gained lifelong friends in his Mom, Norma and his late sister, Theresa. Jimmy always had and always will have a very special place in my heart.
Maria Mineo
February 29, 2012
I have only wonderful memories of Jimmy and our time at Wash. U. in St. Louis. Through him I gained lifelong friends in his Mom and his sister Theresa. He has a permanent place in my heart.
Alex Grover
February 29, 2012
Heidi: I wanted to offer you my condolences about Jim. I did not know Jim as well as others at my employed, but I highly respected him and valued his opinion. He gave our company their big break with Carlisle and we will be forever indebted to him. It is truly a sad loss.
Gary&Susan Corbett
February 29, 2012
Heidi and family:
Susan and I are deeply sorry to learn of Jimmy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, God Bless you all.
Harley Davidson Shop Shanghai April 2008
Peter Nordell
February 29, 2012
Heidi and family:
Rachael and I are so deeply sorry to learn of Jimmy's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers and hope God comforts you in this time of loss and sorrow. I have so many wonderful memories of my times with Jim all over the world, and I will treasure them forever. I will miss him terribly.
Brian Willis
February 29, 2012
I didn't have a chance to meet Jim's family. Jim and I had a drink one night late. We were both going to our rooms for the night. We were in Vancouver Canada. We knew about each other because Jim was a good friend of Peter Nordell, my boss. So we had a drink and got to know each other in a short amount of time. Jim always treated me with respect and friendship. I will never forget all the times, at least 4, that Carlisle and Edlund were attending the same cocktail hour and I would walk into the room and Jim would be standing near Peter Nordell and yell out loud, "Here is my new regional manager". That was such a compliment to me for Jim to say that in a crowd. I think it made Peter think he should pay me more. So a big thanks to Jim for helping my career. I will miss him and think of him often.
Steve Preston
February 29, 2012
Heidi, Words cannot describe the immense sadness we feel.
Over the years we developed a strong friendship with Jim here in New Zealand when he visited or in the USA when we visited. Jim was a powerhouse of enthusiasm and vitality unequalled by any other person I have ever known and he had the unique ability to enthuse others.
And I have many awesome memories of my times with Jim.
The world is a better place for having Jim pass through and I am honoured to have known him and enjoyed his friendship.
Our sincere sympathies go to you and family at this sad time
Melissa Greenwald
February 29, 2012
My condolences to the Calamito family. I worked with Jim in his roles with Carlisle and Edlund. He was a great man whose patience, compassion, passion, and sense of humor are instrumental and inspiring. He will be greatly missed.
Melissa Greenwald - Top O' The Table
Bob Linguanti
February 29, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Calimito's. My fondest and most vivid memory of Jimmy was his big smile. It's a sad sad time.
February 29, 2012
Dear Norma and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son (husband, etc). He was so young. I will keep you and the family in my prayers. Love, Carol Buckley-Neff
Denise Woodard
February 29, 2012
I worked with Jim for several years at Carlisle FoodService Products. He was a great supporter of the Marketing department and always expressed the right words to make your work feel very appreciated. I am very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
February 29, 2012
Dear Jimmy: If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again. Forever in my heart. forever my dear son Love, Mother
Cindy Stickle Sweeney
February 29, 2012
Deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved jimmy. He had the brightest smile and I will always cherish that about him
February 29, 2012
Heidi: We are all in shock at MJH Inc. Our prayers are with you.
Mike Hawkins
Tedde Reid
February 29, 2012
Heidi...I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and the rest of the family in my prayers.
DALE KNARZER
February 29, 2012
Norma, we are sorry for your loss of Jimmy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dale and Dorothy Knarzer
Lyn Milliman
February 29, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I hope all the good memories will sustain you in this difficult time.
Bruce Benenfeld
February 29, 2012
Norma, my deepest condolenceson Jimmy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Bruce J. Benenfeld
Jennifer Hansen
February 29, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfeld condolences. Jimmy will be greatly missed.
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