Carl W. Magee

July 6, 2010
I just read 2 tributes to my uncle, Carl W. Magee. My Mom and Uncle Carl were siblings. The last time I visited Uncle Carl at his home in December, 2009, he said to me: "You know, Jimmy, your Mom was my favorite sister (he had 3) -- and she knew it!" I'm honored that Uncle Carl thought so highly of my Mom and I know she thought the world of him. And if one reads the tributes I referred to above, the one from Carl's son, Joe, and the other from Carl's godson, Jim Zaloudek, that's all you need to know about the life of Carl Magee. He was a just man, a gentle man, a loving man, a happy man, a man of faith, a family man, a hard working man, a man of his word, and a man who valued every moment that the good Lord gave him here on this earth. Yes, my Mom knew she was her brother's favorite sister. She would be proud to know that he was her son's favorite uncle.
Jim Seeberger

67 Years of Memories

It was Ash Wednesday, March 10th, in 1943.
There was much excitement at the Magee home on Rappola Street, at 1723.
Carl Magee, age 14, was told to go off to see a movie show.
While Carl was gone, his Godson Jimmy was born, wouldn't you know.
And a special 67 year relationship started to grow.

Uncle Carl was a special Godfather like no other.
A fiend, a mentor, an example, and a big brother.
The memories started before I can recall.
But I know when I was very small.
He would lift me to stand on his hands and I'd feel 10 feet tall.
And I can remember not being afraid at all.
He was my Uncle Carl and I knew he would never let me fall.

The Heanftling Farm was a special place to go.
A real farm with a barn and horses, what a show!
A little city boy with his favorite Uncle Carl and Aunt Dots.
Great fun, wonderful memories, lots and lots.

Uncle Carl drove his ‘47 Ford…
Up the mountains with the whole family aboard.
We chugged up each hill and started making steam.
I can remember everyone jumping out and expect Aunt Dots let out scream.

We spent many Saturdays working for Grandpop Magee.
Shingling the house, the roof, and a big club basement were the biggest three.
We went on outings that were always grand.
Visits to Harbor Field in the 50's to see airplanes land.
Then we drove before planes on the runways at BWI
And I won’t forget our tour of the Harbor Tunnel before it was revealed to the public eye.

Uncle Carl was there at every special time.
Johns Hopkins’ graduation in 1964 springtime.
At my wedding to sing, “God Made Thee Mine”.
And the baptism of my first grandson to continue the family line.

Our common love for Christmas Gardens spanned all our years.
From before I could walk to building & playing with my peers.
Then with my children in their early years.
And finally the grandchildren, those extra special little dears.

I could continue to write pages of memories in rhyme.
And surly I wouldn't mind taking the time.
But it’s not the length of this poem that flatters.
It’s the 67 years of love that matters.

In Loving Memory of my Uncle &Godfather Carl Magee.

Jim Zaloudek, 4 July 2010

Dad, you were a wonderful father to me and my family. I can never begin to repay you for everything you have given and I will always love you for the sacrifices you made for your family. But I never could have imagined how much I miss you. When I think of all the great times we shared together, I just don't know how I can ever do them again without you. I will miss your cheerful ways, your enthusiasm for life, and especially your songs, sung with your beautiful voice, of which you had a never ending repitoire. If every child had a father like you, what a wonderful world this would be. May god bless you always and keep you in his care,until we meet again. Your Son, Joe