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JAMES CALVERT Obituary
James Spencer Calvert, a well-known and beloved San Antonian died Tuesday, April 20,2021 in the company of his children. His family is deeply honored and grateful to have called him father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Countless people called him friend. They encourage you to read the full obituary of this extraordinary man at www.porterloring.com
He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 31, 1924, the eldest son of James Henry and Carolyn Rice Calvert. He was a resident of San Antonio most of his life since moving to the city in 1932.
Jim was a decorated WWII veteran of the Army Air Corp, having served as a Hump Pilot flying over the Himalayas in the Indo-China Theater. He was one of only three pilots to have the wings of three countries.
Jim graduated from Texas Military Institute as valedictorian of the Class of 1941, from Princeton University in the Class of 1945 and from Harvard Business School in 1949.
He spent his entire career with Joske's Department Stores until he retired as Vice President in 1983. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Mary Anita Dittmar and a cherished father to his six children.
Jim's passion and enduring legacy was his leadership of the San Antonio Symphony in which he served as a Director for more than 3 decades, as President and as Chairman.
He was a member of many organizations including The Texas Cavaliers, The Conopus Club, the Order of the Alamo, the San Antonio German Club, and the military Order of the Dadaelians.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Anita Dittmar Calvert, his brothers David Calvert and Jonathan Calvert, and his grandson Robert "Tex" Higginbotham. He is survived by his six children: Carolyn Calvert Phipps (Steve); James Spencer Calvert, Jr.(Sherrill), Elizabeth Calvert Hickman (Greg): Joseph Dittmar Calvert (Rhonda); Richard Elmer Rice Calvert (Edward Bownds); Lucile Calvert Higginbotham (Robert). Grandchildren: Sarah Phipps Wanenchak (Rob), Paul Phipps, Emma Phipps, Catherine Calvert Urban (Chris), Andrew Calvert (Lizzie), MaryJane Higginbotham, Maggie Higginbotham, and Anne Higginbotham. He has one great-grandchild, Audrey Sherrill Urban. Jim is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Peggy Calvert, sister-in-law Betty "Betts" Calvert, brother-in-law Joe Dittmar, and sister-in-law Betty Dittmar Stone (Leland) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was so grateful for and blessed by the love and companionship of Lillian Morris for the past 8 years.
A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021, 4:00 p.m., at the Margarite B. Parker Chapel, One Trinity Place 78212 (on Trinity University campus). Livestreaming will be available through his obituary page at www.porterloring.com.
In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that contributions be made to the San Antonio Symphony, Texas Military Institute, the Witte Museum, the Texas Cavaliers Foundation or the Brackenridge Park Conservancy.
You are invited to signthe Guestbook atwww.porterloring.comArrangements with
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES CALVERT
Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.
2 Entries
David L Fisher, Bloomingdale’s Ret
April 26, 2021
My condolences to Jim’s family. He helped make Joske’s one of the great stores. I have many fond memories of working there.
Stinsons Flight, Order of Daedalians
April 25, 2021
Jim Calvert will be recognized with a formal toast in his memory at the April 2021 meeting of Stinsons Flight, Order of Daedalians, at the Randolph AFB Officers Club in San Antonio Texas. Jim was a valued and respected lifetime member of the Order of Daedalians, and his impressive military flying was a popular topic of discussion and inspiration over the years of his faithful attendance at the meetings. Farewell, and happy landings from his fellow military aviators.
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Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
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