FAIRBORN — Colonel Jimmie Dean Caldwell, USAF, Retired, age 91, of Dayton, Ohio passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, with his family by his side. Jimmie was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on September 19, 1932, to the late Elmer and Jewell (McKean) Caldwell. He is preceded in death by Ruby Jane Peterson, whom he married in Granite City, Ill on May 18, 1956, and great-granddaughter Morgan Rose Subjeck. Jimmie is survived by his four children, Brenda (Peter) Pastor, Julie Caldwell, Lieutenant Colonel Jim (Michelle) Caldwell, and Kelle (Kevin) DeWine; eleven Grandchildren, Jessica (Chance) Jefferey, Major Caitlin (Donald) Hammond, Brandt (Cassie) Pastor, Madison Pastor, Cailee (Joe) Caldwell, Jordyn Caldwell, Collin Caldwell, Tyler (Carolyn) DeWine, Connor DeWine, Evan DeWine, and Jack DeWine; and eight great-Grandchildren, Parker, Lilly, Ellie, Maverick, and Jewel Jefferey; Landon and Paige Hammond; and Riley Pastor. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Lee Caldwell (Doug Burkette) of Gallipolis, OH. Colonel Caldwell served his country honorably and faithfully as a U.S. Air Force Navigator in the skies over Vietnam, as an Electronic Warfare Officer, and later in various command staff positions retiring in 1984 after 30 years of service. His final assignment was at Wright-Patterson AFB as Vice Commander of the Foreign Technology Division (NASIC). His many awards and decorations for his military service included the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a proud member of the B-66 Destroyer Association and the Association of Old Crows. Not one to sit still for long, Jimmie stayed active with family and friends and was especially proud of his time as a substitute teacher with Fairborn City Schools. He also was an active member of the National Assoc. of Watch & Clock Collectors, Inc. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the NASIC Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 84 Fairborn, OH 45324 or the charity of your choice in his memory. Whether you knew him as Dad, Pa, Colonel, Jimmie, J.D., or Mr. C. know that he believed in getting and giving hugs every day and remembering to say "I love you". Condolences may made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com.
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Pauline Persing
February 14, 2025
Tom and I had many get-togethers with Jimmie. I am glad we worked together with him on the Alumni Golf money raising tournament with Wayne Wolf and crew for so many years. Jimmie was a loving friend who helped me get through those early days after Tom died.
Mary Haun
November 27, 2024
It was terrific working at FTD/NASIC with Col C. I knew him a long time. Though I wasn´t able to attend his funeral I thought a lot about him that day. I know that his funeral was very moving, as my parents were buried at Arlington too. There´s was a simple service, but it was very moving. I will never forget Col C.
Mary Haun, NASIC, Retiree
Rodney Byler
November 22, 2023
So sorry to hear of Colonel Caldwell's death. I worked for/with Jimmy In the years before his retirement. He was a great mentor to a new AF Major. He didn't give you answers, but asked pertinent questions to get you thinking. He was excited to see you arrive at the solution to the problem based on his questions. I'm sure his Fairborn students enjoyed this teaching technique. Rest in peace Colonel.
Rod Byler, Major, USAF. (Ret)
Mary E Haun
November 22, 2023
Col Caldwell, well, what can you say about this terrific man. I met him after coming to FTD and he became the Vice Commander. He was always so professional, but down to earth. I knew him for nearly 35 years. I asked him to perform my retirement ceremony, which he did, joyfully. I asked him to wear his uniform, (he laughed, and said, NOT A CHANCE), but as you know when we age nothing seems to fit anymore. I enjoyed working for him at FTD/NASIC/etc. And as well as Mrs Persing´s comment, we went for tacos at the American Legion in Fairborn after my ceremony. I will always have fond memories of him.
Mary Haun
Jack Emerson
November 19, 2023
Colonel Caldwell was a Man of distinction, an Airman of excellence, and a Friend to all who were privileged to have known him.
John Kohler
November 19, 2023
Loved you, Jimmie.
John and Pat Kohler
Ben Kaple
November 19, 2023
It was an honor to know Jimmie Caldwell. And it makes me happy to know that he is with his wife again.
Pauline Persing
November 18, 2023
I met Jimmy because my husband, Tom, worked at FTD which later became NASIC. Even before I met him I knew him because Tom liked him and talked about him. Jimmy, Tom and I worked many years with the FTD alumni association. We signed people in for the annual golf tournament which earned money for the alumni scholarship fund. We went to the alumni picnics where Jimmy prayed before we sat down to eat. He always remembered to add a mention of the Cincinnati Reds. Jimmy, Tom, and I ate many Tacos and burritos at the American Legion in Fairborn and also many delicious slices of homemade pies as well. After Tom died, he helped me get through some tough days.
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Nov
22
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Belton-Stroup Funeral Home - Fairborn422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH 45324
Nov
22
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Belton-Stroup Funeral Home - Fairborn422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH 45324
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Belton-Stroup Funeral Home - Fairborn422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH 45324
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