James Pete Ronald McCalman

James Ronald McCalman died on April 8, 2016, at the age of 79. Pete, as he was known, was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was devoted to his family above all else, but he was also an active member of his church, an avid fan of many sports, an international traveler, a savvy card player, and enjoyed designing and maintaining his family’s home and yard. It was obvious to everyone who knew him, however, that the deep and abiding love of his life was his wife of 40 years, Lila Jane Welch McCalman.

Born on Feb. 2, 1937, in Ft. Payne, AL, Pete was the only son of Julia and Roscoe McCalman and a brother to three sisters. He grew up in Chattanooga, TN, graduating from Red Bank High School in 1955. Pete and Lila were married April 17, 1959, the happiest day of his life. He earned a degree in industrial engineering from GA Tech in 1961. A position with NASA’s space program at Kennedy Space Center brought him and his family to central Florida in 1967 where he remained until he retired after 30 years of exemplary service.

Growing up, Pete was popular among his peers, respected by adults, and a coach’s dream. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and badminton, but he also loved to swim and play golf, softball, ping pong, and pool. From a young age, he developed a unique comedic personality that was enjoyed and admired by many. He will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, disciplined, generous, humorous, athletic, and fun-loving man with a lot of style who was dedicated to his family, friends, church, and profession.

Among the people who will miss him most are his three children, Cindy (and Andy) DeWitt, Mark (and Donna) McCalman, and Mike McCalman (and John Hoffman); his sisters, LeNelle Boyd, Jane (and Gene) Mitchell, and Judye McCalman (and Earl Morrogh); his grandchildren, Cameron and Andrea DeWitt and Graham McCalman; 14 nieces and nephews; and a growing number of great-nieces and -nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Julia Culbertson McCalman and James Roscoe McCalman; his beloved wife, Lila; and a nephew, Keith Boyd.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Merritt Island Presbyterian Church (MIPC) on Sat., April 23, 2016, at 4:00 pm.The family will hold a visitation hour to begin at 3:00 pm for those who cannot attend the reception that will immediately follow the service.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MIPC Organ Fund or a blood bank of your choice.