James Calvert Obituary

James Calvert RALEIGH, NC - James Guy Calvert, age 80, born on October 30, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, entered into eternal rest on June 17, 2023 in Raleigh, NC. James was the son of the late William Calvert and Ruth Esther Calvert. James honorably served from 1960 through 1990 in the United States Army retiring at the rank of Sergeant Major. During his military career, James was stationed at a number of international locations, notably Germany and Athens, Greece, as well as several US Army bases. James received a number of Awards and Medals, including: National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60, Vietnam Cross of Commendation Medal, Drivers Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), and Overseas Service Bar (2nd Award). Following his retirement from his decorated military career, James worked as a Department of Defense Army Civilian Marine Cargo Specialist for over 10 years in North Charleston, SC. His work included supporting the warfighter missions through multiple East Coast, Puerto Rico, and Haiti ports moving cargo through the Defense Transportation System. He retired from his second career as an Army civilian and settled into family life. Married to his beloved wife, Sophie for over 45 years until her death in 2009, he was the dedicated and devoted father of Willie (Janeen) in addition to being the proudest Grandpop to his only grandchild, Chrysa Elizabeth, whom he loved dearly. If you knew James, you knew that he loved his Western TV and political commentary news shows, a nice glass of Whiskey, supporting his granddaughter in any way he could, eating anything his daughter-in-law cooked for him, and he made friends everywhere he went. James recently moved to NC to live closer to his son and enjoyed listening to music on his porch and watching the birds and wildlife, a place he called "his happy place." James also leaves behind his faithful companion of 14 years, Maria Reyes, many distant cousins, both in the US and Sophie's home country of Greece, former colleagues, and friends. James will be dearly missed and forever loved by those who knew him. The family will receive friends for a visitation at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home (7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC) on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 10:00 am. A chapel service will follow at 11:00 am. James will be laid to rest next to Sophie at Live Oak Memorial Gardens (3093 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC) immediately after funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite military organization in his name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Calvert family. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston