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James Calise Obituary

CALISE James Albert Calise, 43 of Jacksonville FL, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family and closest friends on April 6, 2005. A native of Jacksonville FL, Jimmy attended Assumption Catholic School and later, Bishop Kenny High School. He attended Flagler College and was a graduate of the University of North Florida and worked for the Duval County School System for almost twenty years. During his tenure with the School System, Jimmy helped literally thousands of children while teaching at Jeb Stuart, DuPont, and Mandarin Middle Schools. He then joined the Duval County School Board as Coordinator, School Choice. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Calise, and is survived by his Mother Edith Hazouri Calise, son Matthew Calise, former wife Jill Flowers Calise, Brother Charlie Calise, Aunts Yvonne Allen and Shirley Newton along with all of his cousins in which he was so close. Jimmy was loved so much by his friends; the outpouring of support during his lengthy il lness was a testament to his kindness and gentle nature that touched all of those who met him. He was especially blessed to have his childhood friends, Keith and Phyllis Wood by his side throughout his life and final moments. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Friday April 8, 2005 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home at 4115 Hendricks Avenue. Funeral Services will be held at 9:30 AM, Saturday April 9, 2005 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9800 Baymeadows Road. A graveside Blessing will follow at Evergreen Cemetery at 4535 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Hospice at 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville FL, 32257. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Apr. 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
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Jerry Jones

April 19, 2005

Jimmy was a person of many talents -- funny, compasionate, gregarious, easy to get along with, and a culinary master. It was a fun time when Matthew would come visit Jimmy in SIMS, they both are remarkable. Jimmy will be missed; I will miss him.

Bruce Allen Scudder

April 17, 2005

Jimmy will never gone as he continues to live on in the minds and hearts of the people he touched.

Although I would prefer that he was still with us, I am comforted to think that he is now a guardian angel for his beloved son, Matthew and those near and dear to him. My own memories of our time together are like a precious treasure and I am grateful to have known him and loved him.

Kim Hite-Mattox

April 14, 2005

I can not express how much Jimmy means to me. I was one of his "Girls" in the SIMS office. He was such a good friend to me and I will miss him so much. Matthew you are awesome just like your Father. Remember he will always be with you and the people that he loved.

Kim

Matthew Calise

April 13, 2005

I would like to thank all of you for your support through this difficult time in all of my family's lives. Thank you to those who have kept us in their prayers. We appreciate that more than anything in the world. He was a special man and words can't describe my dad. But he's watching me and everyone he loves carefully. Thanks again to all for responding to his death and REMEMBERING JIMMY. I love you dad.

Brooke Jackson

April 12, 2005

Jill and Matt-

I want to tell you I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was an amazing man that always brought joy to those around him. I will miss his humor and generous nature. God be with you at this time

Tony Triano/ Earlye Rhodes

April 12, 2005

Dear Family,

We were saddened to hear about Jimmy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Linda Maloly

April 12, 2005

Aunt Edith, Charles and All Our Cousins,



We love you. Please know that you've been in our thoughts and prayers. Some of my fondest memories are of the trips to Jax each summer. It was never like being with Daddy's cousins but more like aunts, uncles and cousins. I always thought it would have been wonderful to live closer so we could really have been a part of the "cousins". We certainly lost Jimmy too soon but I know that he's with so many others that we've lost and that helps just a bit (life without that knowledge would sometimes be too much to bear). I've had tears in my eyes since finishing all the entries in this "guest book". I always remember Jimmy as a sweet and funny guy but he certainly wound up being a wonderful and strong man (but then wonderful, strong men run in the family).

We love all of you - The Gainesville Gang XOXO

Rex Marchman

April 11, 2005

I had the privilege of being Jim's principal at J.E.B. Stuart Jr. High in the 1980s. Jim was an outstanding teacher, person and friend. Though I retired and left Jacksonville, I never forgot the times we shared and the pleasure of his company. He will be missed by all and we will continue to remember what a fine person Jim was.

Joanne Stovall

April 11, 2005

Jill & Matt, We heard of Matt's father's passing while at the State Thespian Festival. I am so sorry for your loss. Wish we could have been here to attend the funeral. You both are in our hearts and thoughts,

Joanne Stovall & Britni Holtsinger

Paul Locke

April 11, 2005

Dear Mrs. Calise & Charlie, I was very sad to learn of Jimmy’s passing. Many fond memories came to mind of our childhood years growing up together in the old neighborhood. Jimmy was a teacher at an early age. I learned many things from him as we explored the neighborhood with his trusty terrier always by his side. He was always explaining how things worked and teaching me something new. He enriched my life at an early age. Jimmy was my guide during that scary first week of First Grade at Assumption. I will never forget the exciting summer adventures led by Jimmy exploring the woods next to HAB, playing in the creek trying to catch minnows & crawdads, Fishing for brim in the Duck Pond, building a multi-level tree house in my parents’ yard, BB Guns & Sling shots, Balsa wood airplanes, slurping cold Icees behind the 7 –Eleven on hot summer days. These fond childhood memories with Jimmy are just a few that will last a lifetime. Jimmy will be deeply missed. May God bless your family and grant you peace.

Frances Pickard

April 10, 2005

Jimmy was a great resource when we worked together at duPont Middle School. May God bless you and comfort you at this time.

Frances Pickard

Steve Wilcox

April 9, 2005

Dear Mrs. Calise,



I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Jimmy's death. We went to school together from K-5 to 12th. We also graduated from UNF at the same time. If you remember Jimmy and I were just 5 days apart in birth. We used to complain about our birthdays being so close to Christmas as we thought we did not get good presents due to everyone being shopped out. My fondest memory of Jimmy was the 7th grade when he sat in front of me. Jimmy was a friend all those years in school. He was quite a character and always livened up the classrooms. I am so sorry for your loss and feel I have no adequate words to ease your grief. I just hope and pray that your memories will help you through this difficult time knowing that Jimmy was able to make an impact in the lives of many young people. I will never forget him. May God give you comfort.

DONALD ATTER

April 8, 2005

AUNT EDITH & CHARLIE,

I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT

JIMMY'S, PASSING ! WE HAVE ALL

LOST A SAINT AND A FRIEND.THAT

CAN NEVER BE REPLACED.I DON'T

THINK RIGHT NOW JIMMY WOULD TRADE

PLACES WITH ANY OF US,HE IS WITH

GOD AND UNCLE JOE, WHAT A PLACE

TO BE. AUNT EDITH, CHARLIE I

LOVE YOU BOTH AND MY PRAYERS

ARE WITH YOU!

LOVE DONALD

Leslie Grymes Kuhn

April 8, 2005

I was very saddened to hear about Jimmy's passing. It is so hard to believe that such a vibrant individual is no longer with us. I remember his laughter and absolutely wonderful personality. My prayers are with his family. What a terrible loss for everyone.

ROBERT ALLEN

April 8, 2005

I WORK WITH MR.CALISE AT DUPONT MIDDLE SCHOOL.VERY NICE AND WILL DO ANY THING FOR YOU.WE ALL SAT IN THE TEACHERS LOUNGE AT LUNCH TIME TOGETHER.EVERY TIME HE ENTERED THE TEACHERS LOUNGE HE WOULD SAY "FIELD TRIP" GOD BLESS MY FRIEND

CAROL MCVAUGH

April 8, 2005

I NEVER GOT TO KNOW JAMES VERY WELL. WE WOULD JUST SAY "HI" IN THE HALLWAY AT THE SCHOOL BOARD BUILDING , BUT HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE EVERYTIME . I HAVE MISS THAT AT BREAKTIME AND NOW I WILL MISS IT EVEN MORE. GOD BLESS YOU. AND JAMES HOPE YOU ARE STILL SMILING FROM ABOVE.

Betty Cohn

April 8, 2005

Dear Edith, Our heartfelt sympathy t you and yours. May all the loving thoughts of all your dear relatives and friends bring you comfort.With hugs and warm wishes in which Lennie joins me, Betty ( from Friday morning atVi's beauty shop)

Kimberly Edinger

April 8, 2005

Dear Matthew & Jill,

With a very heavy heart I write to you. There is far too much to say about Jimmy. We loved him very much

& will miss him & his forever contagious smile. God will ease your pain with time. Love Always the Edinger Family

Laurie Huber Flak

April 8, 2005

Jimmy,

I remember you so well from our BK days and visiting you while you worked at the Brewery at the Landing. You will be missed terribly but I will always remember your beautiful, contagious smile and the two of us singing the Oscar Mayer bologna song in Coach Crouch's class. That may be silly but it's a great memory!! Thanks for your friendship.

Janet Gay

April 8, 2005

Jimmy will be greatly missed. He worked in our office for quite some time a few years back and was always a joy to be around. He fed us well and he enjoyed doing that. Jimmy was a master of ceremonies. He left a legacy of good memories to his family and friends.

Matthew, keep your chin up. Your dad always wanted the best for you.

Rosemarie Parsch

April 8, 2005

Jimmy was such a pleasure to work with- He was kind, funny, helpful and so resourceful. He did a great service to the families and students in Duval county. I know they are grateful to Jimmy and will miss him very much. I personally will miss his smile and high energy.

Dear Jimmy, Peace be with you, and also to your son and family.

Jessica Caraway

April 8, 2005

Even though I only knew Jimmy for a short time, we had many laughs! He was a great person and will be missed by many!

Darlene Harris

April 8, 2005

To the Calise Family,

Jimmy will truly be missed. May God give each of you strength during this time and days to come.

PERCINA INFANTINO

April 8, 2005

TO THE FAMILY OF R CALISE,

I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MR CALISE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF EVERYONE HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH. OUR OFFICE ALWAYS LIT UP WHEN HE WALKED IN. GOOD BYE MR CALISE. MAY THE YOU REST IN THE ARMS OF THE ANGELS.

Debra Neal

April 8, 2005

A young man who knew how to win your attention through his unselfish gentle kindness and patience. He would go the extra mile to make sure you had all necessities needed. No matter what he was going through, he yet received each and every person with open arms. Thank God for allowing such a kind person to touch my life.

Glenna J. Goings

April 8, 2005

Jimmy Calise was a true friend! He had a joy for life that was nothing if not contagious. I will miss his funny stories; his random, yet constant acts of kindess; his ceaseless generosity; and selfishly, his culinary talents. While some people come into our lives and quickly go, others, like Jimmy, stay for a while and we are never the same. I will always remember the man who was Jimmy Calise.

Roger Fontaine

April 8, 2005

To my Aunt, Charles my cousin and my brother, Matthew & Jill. I love you all very much and my heart and prayers go out to each of you. Jimmy will be missed dearly, as first cousins we all grew up very close to each other and I have very fond memories of those times. The times we spent together were filled with playing, eating, joking and kidding. I sorely miss not being able to see him more than I was able to. He was always there for everyone and everything. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Love, Roger, Tammie, Tara, & Cody

Cindy Simmons

April 8, 2005

It is hard to believe that Jimmy is no longer with us. He was such a good person and he was loved by all who new him. My symphathy goes out to the Calise family. I look forward to seeing you in heaven one day Jimmy.

Sherri Howard Stratton

April 8, 2005

I have loved Jimmy as a brother since we became friends. He was my work partner for years and we continued our friendship as we moved forward with different jobs.

I love Jimmy, Jill, and Matthew as my own. I will have a hole in my heart now that Jimmy's out of touch. I still get to talk to him, I just won't get to here that voice with the smarty pants responce, I know he'll still be will me and each of you. Thanks to God for sharing this wonderful person with me.

Cindy Bailey

April 8, 2005

It is hard to believe that Jimmy is no longer with us. He was so full of life and such a great person. He will be missed by all who new him and loved him. My deepest sympathy to the Calise family. See you in heaven Jimmy.

Darlene Gantt

April 8, 2005

I worked with Jimmy at the School Board and learned to enjoy his wonderful sense of humor and remarkable tenacity and bravery in the face of his illness. He was an inspiration.

Danielle Burns-Brockett

April 8, 2005

I attend Jeb Stuart. Mr.Calise was one of my teacher i am sorry to here about his death he was a great teacher.

Ken Pickett

April 8, 2005

Matthew/Jill,

Was saddened to hear of your loss this morning when I read the paper.

Continue to support each other as you always have. Wish I could do something to ease your sorrow but that is something that only time and God's grace will allow. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember the good times until you all are reunited. Love, your friend

Mark Rubens

April 8, 2005

May you rest in peace my friend and may your soul be bound in eternal life. The memory of our friendship will long be with me and the laughs we shared will make the hardest of times more gentle.

Rosa Irvin

April 8, 2005

Jimmy,



The one person who blew me away with his cooking and love. We both have one thing in common and that is keeping a supply of Red Hot candy supplied at our desk. If I run out of candy, he would restock my candy dish or if he ran out of red hots I would restock his candy dish. I will miss my "Red Hot King."

Love you always.....

Tressa Dishman

April 8, 2005

To Jimmy's Family & Friends,

He will truly be missed. Jimmy's warm smile was a gift he gladly shared. God be with all of you always in all ways.

Lisa Moore

April 8, 2005

Jimmy was a sweet, kind and giving soul. He was an example of grace and strenth coupled with love and kindness. Although he will be missed, he will always live on in all of us whose lives he touched and who had the privilege of calling him friend.

Yuletta Smith

April 8, 2005

Matthew, your father was a great man and a great friend. He was full of life and love and his character demanded these characteristics from those whom he befriended. When Jimmy worked in the SIMS Dept. just knowing he would be there made coming to work a joy. He always made a point of making me feel welcomed. Jimmy demanded a joyful time. You had to smile, laugh, and show love in his presence. I consider my friendship with Jimmy to be one of my life's greatest pleasures. He was a man that was full of goodness. Much love.

Ron Holmes

April 8, 2005

It is hard to say goodbye to a man that was so full of life. Jimmy lived his life the way God told him to by being himself as God created and helping others to achieve. He absolutely adored his son above anything and had a very special place in his heart for Jill and his mother. He made his friends feel like his own family. He will be greatly missed here.

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