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Jacques Caldwell Obituary
Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26) on Friday from 7-9P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday at 10:00A.M. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Johns Hopkins University-College of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jacques Caldwell
Sponsored by Mary-Jeanne Caldwell Cabanel.
Sloan Davis
March 22, 2023
God Bless Dr. Caldwell. I was sad to learn of his passing. He gave me my first job as a pilot. I flew for him for 2 yrs. while also living in his home. He trusted and mentored me not only as an employee but also a true. I will never forget the opportunity he afforded me when there were truly many more qualified people who were available. I became an airline pilot and have been for 33 years-I will be retiring in 35 days. One of the truly great people that had a positive impact on my life and I want to pay my respects and honor to this truly great man.
Captain Sloan Davis Jr.
UPS B-767
Howard Offenberg
December 5, 2020
The years pass quickly, bu I still think about my esteemed partner every day. I miss him so much, the most sage and sapient and compassionate man I have ever met
michael vandegna
June 12, 2020
My My MY , I have tears in my eyes. My hero is gone. The one who gave me a new start in life. You see , I am now 79 yrs old. When I was 49 , my genetic disease took away most of my mobility. Raising a 15 and 19 yr old boys was almost impossible. The daily pain was unbearable. I had made the decision to move to Fla , leaving my oldest at UCONN and taking my youngest with me. I had been divorced and out of the blue came my present wife who took care of me and my pain , and Dr. Caldwell. I wasn't planning on marriage because of the Reiters Syndrome and it's effects on her. She never complained about the duties of helping me to the bathroom , at all hours of the night , and lov ing me thru it all. Enter Dr. Caldwell into my life , thru research and me with no med. ins. After many blood tests and x-rays I was prescribed some new meds that he had researched and developed. During one evening I apparently got up , unassisted , and went to the bathroom. My sweetheart woke up to find me standing up unassisted and pleading with me to get back to bed. I refused , thinking I might be dreaming , and having no pain , so if that was the case I didn't want to wake up and resume the agony. Well it wasn't a dream. As it worked out ,I resumed my life with some moderate pain and looked forward to so , so much. I married my sweetheart. What can i say ??? God bless you for all you have done for me. Not one day goes by that I don't thank you. To hear of your passing leaves me with a heavy heart. We will meet again my special friend... Michael & Elaine.
Jussein Mangondato
September 8, 2016
Dr. CALDWELL is the most generous and kind person I have ever known. He will always be in my prayers.
December 2, 2015
"Jack" was a dear and special friend of mine during our high school years in White Plains, N.Y. I visited with him in Florida in 1999. I am sorry to hear of his passing in 2008, which I just found out about.
Sincerely, Frederick M. Fox, WPHS Class of '56. Irvine, Ca. 949-533-1549
Anthony LaPuma
June 10, 2015
Thank you so much Dr. For saving my life my life words just are'nt enough to tell you how much you are loved and missed in this world. Thank you
Charles Forister
August 4, 2013
I had the pleasure of working With DR.Caldwell back in the late 70's And consider it an honor to be associated with so great a man. He knew his wines and That knowledge is with me today.
Uncle Jack's Wine Cork Wreath
Ellie Whitworth
December 17, 2011
December 15, 2011
Brother you are missed more than you could ever imagine! The family keeps you in our prayers on a daily basis.
Your sibilings
December 8, 2010
Two years, hard to believe. I practice medicine with him in mind, with kindness, integrity, and a sense of humor. Just no wine until after work.
Howard Offenberg
Michael Caldwell
December 7, 2010
In two days another year will have gone by. But not a day passes without thinking of you and whispering a prayer for you. The most wonderful brother, and example to all of us of how siblings can weave themselves together into a fabric of wonderful color, warmth, and strength from the imperfect fibers of dramatically different individuals.
You were so generous in your love for your family. I will always remember and be eternally grateful to you for the belief you showed in me and in my intellect from the time I was very young. You truly appreciated all of the different kinds of intelligence. You made it a point toi help me to appreciate my own, You motivated me to expect more of myself. If I am a success, I owe much to your encouragement.
You gracefully bore the unwanted burden of being our family's hero. You became our rock especially after Mom and Dad had passed. You assumed the role of Paterfamilias so completely and naturally. You have inspired us all. Jimmy and Karen are living up to your example so well; you would be so proud of them. MJ and Todd both are following your example. They are such terrific people!
I miss so much about you. Most of all I miss your explosive baritone laughter. Funny, since you have left us I hear it echoing in the laughs of Rich, Ed, and Jim.
God Bless you Brother, and bring you into Paradise with Him.
December 7, 2010
It's hard to accept that Jack passed from us 2 years ago. I miss his wit. Jack, the world wine indusrty may never recover from your loss! But God knows, I'm trying to do my part! -Love you , guy! RDC
December 8, 2009
December 2008
Coming over on the plane the other day I watched a movie about the great French American blind wine tasting of 1976. I couldn’t help but thinking how much my father would have loved that movie not just for the obvious reasons—one of his all time favorite conundrums was American vs. French wine, but also because there is something inherent in the two cultures that so represents my Father.
On the one hand Dad so clearly personified all that is great about America, innovative and industrious he was way ahead of his time. He built a thriving rheumatology practice in Florida covering the cities of Gainesville, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona and Ocala. When he realized he couldn’t actually be in 3 places at once—he simply learned to fly and bought a plane to get him around as quickly as possible.
Long before hedge funds became part of the public consciousness inspiring both intrigue and scorn, Dad had his own. He spent weekends programming one of the very first home computers, so that it in turn could provide him with the buy or sell signals he needed to trade the market. When it worked Dad would call his broker with glee happily going long or short based on the signals of this early black box.
As Editor of the Journal of the Florida Medical Association he revolutionized medical economics, first predicting the changes to occur in medicine and then instructing the doctors how to best structure their practices to accommodate these changes.
But in his sensibilities, and also his genes, Dad was certainly French. The famous 17th century French philosopher, Pascal’s famous quote “I think therefore I am” might have been written my father. The 19th century artist Rodin’s celebrated sculpture, the thinker, carved for him. At almost no time was my father happier than when engaged in scholarly pursuits. One of his crowning achievements was winning the award for best researcher while at Johns Hopkins school of medicine as a young medical student. Indeed, this moment so clearly defined him that he devoted his adult life to medical research, starting with a small research center in New Smyrna Beach and expanding to a research Institute and Phase 1 unit that flourish to this day. He authored nearly 200 articles on medical research, and received accolades far and wide for his efforts.
Dad’s appetite for learning was not limited to medicine however, and in this sense Dad was truly a renaissance man. He loved art, literature and music and studied these subjects tirelessly either in person on his many worldwide travels, on DVD, or via his much loved book collection. Dad always believed that you could never spend too much money on books or food and wine. It is telling that my children in lieu of wanting to go to Disney World always asked to go to Barnes and Noble with their Papy Jack. No gift to Dad was as well received as the perfect book selected with care to coincide with one his current fields of interest, or just simply to make him laugh.
Oh and the joy of making Dad laugh! A friend of mine once said to me, when your Dad laughs it is like the whole world is smiling at me. We all felt that way, his great booming laugh was the sound of delight, the stamp of approval and the warming feeling that great minds had met and were in on the joke. In the interest of propriety, I won’t tell any here, but please see my brother, uncles or Howard after the service for some of Dad’s favorites.
Dad’s palette and gourmet cooking skills are of course legendary. His adventures in gastronomy can be plotted on a time line of our lives. I was 9 when he let me try my first wine, a French Chateau neuf du papes, 12, when he made his first chestnut puree for Thanksgiving in an early food processor (30 when we scraped the last of it off the ceiling when selling the house). I was a college student when Sundays were officially eggs Benedict day with each extended family member manning a cooking station, and Dad, chef extraordinaire, handling those slippery eggs and overseeing every stir of his delicious lemony hollandaise sauce.
But one dish was ever present, and indeed symbolizes Dad’s lifelong (and worldwide) search for culinary excellence. He combed the restaurants of New Orleans, the bars of Daytona and the bistros of France. He scrutinized the cookbooks of Julia, Craig, Marilyn and Paul. And after reading, tasting, sipping, tweaking, tasting, sipping, tweaking, sipping and tasting again came up with his famous oysters Rockefeller recipe. Spinach stuffed perfection, pearls of gastronomic delight. Shallots chopped, Champagne iced, shucking knives at the ready, we knew we were indeed home for the holidays.
For Dad was above all our Dad—motivator, mentor, sometime disciplinarian and somewhat difficult act to follow. He was always there for us advising us on school, work, life decisions and on a couple of forlorn occasions, love. When we finally did got the love recipe right, Dad became the ideal father-in-law smoking cigars, or whipping up a mayonnaise with Pascal, cooking and wine tasting with Shantell .
Dad reveled in our achievements, most recently taking great pride in my brother Todd’s business success. He coached us in the tough times saying to me, “don’t worry baby the market won’t stay down forever, just hang in there. “ And he always, but always showed up. Be it Thanksgiving in Colorado, Christmas in Geneva, Easter in Provence, a christening, or a certain birthday Dad was always there. More than likely he was serving wine, charming the guests, and if we were lucky concocting some of the oysters just described. He loved our friends and took interest in them always inquiring after them and remembering their interest year after year. It has been heartwarming to receive messages from people worldwide remembering Dad in their own special way.
Most of all Dad loved our kids. The happiest I ever saw him was when he was with them. If we were to award him an Oscar for most outstanding role in the movie that was his life it would be as a Grandfather. Called Papy Jacques by Louis and Audrey and Happy Jack by JT he spent hours tirelessly playing with the kids. Almost as if in penance for all the time spent working when Todd and I were young, Dad would lie on the floor, driving the train, the race car, or the itty bitty stroller. He’d greet each child with excitement throwing them up in the air again and again while they laughed with glee.
As the grandkids grew he taught them to play chess and poker, and they would vie for his attention in the rush to be the first to play with him in the wee hours of the morning—taking him a Gatorade in exchange for a chance to play with the beloved Master that was their Grandfather. While Todd and I never ever actually had the chance to taste the thrill of victory in any sport or game against Dad, he would, on occasion, let the one of the grandchildren win.
We are thankful for the time we had him. We will miss him for the rest of our lives.
Mary-Jeanne Caldwell Cabanel
July 14, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Jacques, he was a dear friend as well as a past employer. He taught me so much that I can carry throughout my life. He will be in my thoughts forever. Jacques I hope to meet up with you again someday, you are truly a great man.
Sandra Kuykendall
Jennifer Jessee
June 9, 2009
To the Caldwell family I just was told of Jacques passing. I am so sorry for your lost. I worked for him 5 years ago at Florida Arthritis & Allergy Ins. He was a great boss, and a fantastic Doctor. I loved working with him and being part of his team. God Bless
Jack as we best remember him
Carl W "Rick" Lentz III MD
January 11, 2009
From: Carl W Lentz III MD
Date: December 11, 2008 2:52:31 PM EST
To: Jack Caldwell
Subject: A message of love to the Family of Jacques Caldwell from Rick and Cheryl Lentz
To the Loving Family of Jacques Caldwell,
Cheryl and I and the entire Lentz Family are saddened by the loss of our great friend and colleague Jacques Caldwell.
I will really miss him. He was a solid friend and teacher to me. Because of my time with Jack, I am a much better person and physician. Jack was the ultimate scientist with a very warm bedside manner in the reflection of Sir William Osler. I remember his insistence on excellence and never willing to accept less. This was great in the Hospital and Clinic but a little pricy, as Dr. Frank Farmer and I, would often find out when we would go and order a bottle of wine.
Once when we were having dinner the waiter came to the table to take our order, Frank and I were delighted that the most costly bottle of wine was $50. Quickly we learned that Jacques was not to be deterred by the menu. He asked if there were any other wines not on the menu and of course there were some covered in dust and spider webs which eclipsed the price scale.
As you all probably know Jacques, served as the editor of the Florida Medical Assn. Magazine. During his tenure as editor he won many prestigious awards. Later he went on to serve the medical community as a prominent member of the Board of Directors of the FMA. He was always coming up with new and inventive new ideas. He was respected and admired by the entire Florida Medical Assn. Leadership.
Jacques was one of the kindest and most giving folks I have ever met. He adopted Amity Rainy and gave her inspiration and opportunities that few children are ever gifted with. He guided her intellectually, spiritually and afforded her the opportunity to attend Dana Hall Prep School in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Jacques also mentored my daughter Ashley. When Ashley and her Mother were debating wether Ashley could attend Dana Hall Prep School, Jack stepped in and suggested that they travel together with Karen and Amity to visit the school to see what would be best for Ashley. Well sure enough the Mothers came home wishing that they too could enroll in Dana Hall. I believe that because of the experience of attending Dana Hall, Ashley's academic future was for ever secure. Then when Ashley graduated from Emory University she went to work for Jack at his Research Company. Ashley had decided against attending Medical School when she left Emory but with in a few months of working with Jack she was devoted to the goal of being a physician. When she graduated from the University of Florida School of Medicine, Jack was there. He was one of the only people she invited. I believe with out Jack's inspiration Ashley would never have attempted this lofty goal. Today she is a Board Certified General Surgeon and in her second of three years of a Plastic Surgery Fellowship. We can only thank Jack.
Some of Cheryl and my favorite life experience memories are of our time traveling with Jack. Some how or other he talked us into traveling to the Tuscan Area of Italy to ride bikes for a week. Little did we know or did Jack tell us that the area did not have hills but rather quite large mountains. It turned out to be a great experience especially because we had the opportunity to go to Bezier, France as the guest of the Caldwell's to attend MJ and Pascal's wedding. What a treat to get to know both families and share such a meaningful and fun experience.
Well I could go on and on about stories of our experiences with Jack. Most importantly I loved Jack like a brother. I am so sorry that I am unable to attend the services for Jacques. I will be there in spirt. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to have spent some time with Jack in his home in Maryland a few months ago. While I am sad to miss his services and share with you all, I am glad I could be with him when he was alive.
In closing a must share a final story. Jacques told me some years ago that he asked his Father, "Do you ever grow out of the feeling of excitement when you meet a beautiful sexy women?" His Father told him, "But of course not, that is when you are dead." Well I don't believe that will stop Jacques.
God Bless you good friend, rest well.
Thank you all for your love of Jacques. If there is any thing I can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Merry Christmas.
Rick
Carl W "RICK" Lentz III MD
1040 W International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fl 32114
386 252-8051 office
386 299-9299 cell
[email protected]
Todd Caldwell
January 11, 2009
Dad The personification of work hard play hard. You taught us well and will be greatly missed. Love Todd
Lovely
January 2, 2009
I am truly sadden by the great loss. He will truly be missed. I believe he still lives on within us, because he touch so many people in a very special, loving way.
Karen Garrett
December 31, 2008
With Jack I learned that there is such a thing as "enough lobster" although there can never be too much. It was such a privilege knowing you and your family Jack. Until we meet again.
Diane Lobel
December 29, 2008
In loving memory of Dr. Caldwell
Dearest MJ, Todd, and Family,
Dr. Caldwell was the epitome of physicians. I admired and respected him. Best of all, I enjoyed hearing him laugh. His laugh bellowed throughout the whole office.
Alisa and I are extremely honored to have had the opportunity to work with him for so many wonderful years.
Dr. Caldwell, you will be deeply missed. May you rest in peace.
Warmest Regards,
Diane and Alisa Lobel Horgan (Gainesville, FL)
Donna Tredway
December 22, 2008
I was just told of Dr. Caldwell's passing today. I am so saddened by this. I worked for him at Florida Arthritis and Allergy Institute for almost 21 years. I saw his practice grow to 5 offices throughout Florida. I ran his laboratory by performing all of the labwork for all the offices. I saw the lab grow from 2 small benchtop instruments to 4 major analyzers.
Dr. Caldwell was an excellent diagnostician. His following of patients praised him all the time. He was always approachable for questions or problems, yet he had a quiet demeanor. I grew as a technologist and as a person working for him.
I will always remember Dr. Caldwell and I will miss him. The medical community has lost one of the best.
My sincerest sympathies to his family.
Ralph santoro
December 18, 2008
We wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Caldwell. We are close friends of his sister Karen and her husband Jamie.
Howard Offenberg MD
December 17, 2008
His funeral was as perfect as he was. I will miss him for the rest of my life. I owe much to this true physician
Union Memorial Sports
December 15, 2008
To the family of Dr Caldwell.. We at Union Memorial Sports Med send our deepest sympathy. We were saddened to hear about this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
Dr. Patricia Sullivan
December 15, 2008
Dr. Caldwell was a "diamond" among physicians. His loss will be felt by all those who read his medical papers, were treated by him and those who were taught by him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Ava Gossinger
December 14, 2008
My family and I wish to express our condolences to Dr. Caldwell's family. I have been a patient of Dr. Caldwell since 1975 when I first moved to Gainesville. He not only treated me, but my daughter as well. He diagnosed her JRA at age 12 and treated her with such care and concern. It was reassuring and touching. His unparalleled knowledge of how to treat fibromyalgia has truly been a life saver. Today, she is a healthy and vibrant young woman.
I am the daughter and wife of a doctor myself and have been around physicians my entire life. Dr. Caldwell is truly one of the finest physicians I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Thanks to all of you for sharing him with his very grateful patients.
Keith Gatehouse
December 13, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Caldwell (and Rainey) families at this time of loss. Dr Caldwell's inspiration will be with me and many others for as long as we exist.
Cindy Lowder
December 13, 2008
During my career, Jacques became one of my favorite collogues and friends. During the years at Bionicare, we traveled to ALJ hearings together as we testified in an effort to obtain coverage for our patients. During those road trips, we had so many laughs. My memory of him will always be around the sharing of stories and the laughs....I could always count on him to brighten my day, either on the road or back at the office. He also taught me the simple appreciation of a good glass of wine. I will think of him with every glass.
Jacques, I will miss you.
Cindy Lowder
Jody Hardee
December 12, 2008
My most sincere sympathies and condolences to the Caldwell family. Dr. Caldwell taught me so much about research and medicine during my years spent working with him. He was a wonderful clinician. I will always remember the kindness he showed to those in need. May God Bless the family and comfort you all during this hard time.
Laura Bjornson-Chastine
December 12, 2008
Dr. Caldwell gone? Doesn't seem possible that such a force of nature could leave the Earth. I worked for Dr. Caldwell in the 1980s in Gainesville FL - I am in shock. I actually found his obituary in trying to find out if he was still in practice to send a friend of mine to see him...the world is short one dynamic individual. My sincere condolences to his family.
Bill McKeon
December 11, 2008
So much to do and so little time. Yet you always fround time for friends and family.
Michelle D
December 11, 2008
My sincere sympathies to Dr. Caldwell's family. I worked for him many years ago and he gave me great insight as to the power of dedication and compassion towards patients.
Cathy DuHamell
December 11, 2008
I offer my deepest sympathy to you Mary Jeanne and Todd at the loss of your father. I enjoyed working with him at the Florida Arthritis & Allergy. He was a great employer and a very nice person. I have missed working with him and have thought of him often. It was an honor to know him and to work with him.
I hope that you remember me as his bookkeeper and the person you helped him with his financial needs for the office and his travel plans. I spoke to you, Todd, on the phone as well as your wife Shantall about the truck. Mary Jeanne, I met you and your son, at the house in Daytona Beach.
Again, I am sorry for you loss.
Cathy DuHamell
Deltona, Florida
Ashley Lentz
December 10, 2008
I am sincerely sadened by the loss of Jacques. He was a mentor, who inspired us all to do better. I am forever grateful for the influence he has had on my life, personally and professionally.
Patricia Skrakowski
December 10, 2008
I am so thankful that I had a chance to know and work with Dr. Caldwell at BioniCare. He was a wonderful person to work with and I will miss his laugh and his passion for his work.
Patti & Bill McKeon McKeon
December 10, 2008
Dear Jack & Family: We were grieved to hear of your passing today and not quite sure how we will manage without your presence in our lifes. You watched Bill & I grow from Newly Weds to parents of two wonderful boys. You gave me encouragement as Bill went off to Deseart Storm in special forces shortly after BJ's birth. How scare I was and how comforting you were with your words of reassurance. When I became pregrant with Chris, again Bills unit was called up, and your words of wisdom brought much comfort. Through the twenty years in research together, you taught us all so much we all had such fun with both you and Howard. How short the time seems Jack and I honestly do not believe you are gone, Please know that we will always keep you close in our hearts forever! May you rest in peace in the comfort and love of our Heavenly Father's Hands. May God Bless You! All our Love, Patti & Bill and BJ & Christopher
Laurie Cucchiella
December 10, 2008
I had such wonderful memories of Dr Caldwell working with him at Bionicare. He was such a kind man and will be missed dearly !
Nancy DiLeo
December 10, 2008
Dr.Caldwell was a wonderful example to us all. He left a legacy of kindness and compassion that never waivered .. In business, he inspired us to do better, to be more creative, to be focused on doing good for others, to do things right and do the right things. I'm honored to have known him for just a moment of his life.
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