James Edwin Calkins

James Edwin Calkins, 93 of Hemet, California passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Hemet Valley Medical Center in Hemet, California. He was born on August 17, 1923 in Los Angeles, California to the late James and Edwina Calkins. He was married to the love of his life, Bettye Calkins for 61 years before her passing in November 2016. He was a proud member of the US Navy serving as a medic in World War II. He was a survivor of Iwo Jima, After his service , he attended college at USC where he graduated in 1952 in a degree in Architecture. After working in Riverside for a few years he was given the opportunity to come to Hemet and join the civil engineering firm of Neste, Brudin and Stone. This steppingstone allowed James to start his own architectural business here in Hemet. His many architectural designs include Mt San Jacinto College Library, the Miller-Jones Mortuaries in Hemet, Sun City and Perris, the Covell Library, Hemet Federal Savings and Loan ( now City Hall), The Neighborhood Center, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, St John's Lutheran Church, and the offices of Dr. Anil Rastogi, Dr George Gary and Dr. I. Chen as well as other numerous other projects. . He also designed numerous custom homes in California, Florida, Oregon, Washington and Mexico. At the age of 93, he was still working and even brought plans with him to the hospital. Unfortunately, completing them was not to be. James was an active member of the community, which included membership on the Hemet Planning Commission, president of the Hemet Chamber of Commerce, and Hemet Rotary Club and president of the Inland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. His family describe him as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and architect. He enjoyed old movies, gardening and above all architecture. James loved Hawaii and he and Bettye took many trips there throughout the years. Surviving are son, James Cameron, daughter, Caryn Pastorius and her husband Darrel, grandchildren Alexis White and Jeffery White.

A Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, May 17th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church located at 780 S. State Street Hemet, California 92544. Interment will be in Riverside National Cemetery, at 2:00 PM at Riverside, CA.