Birth date: Mar 8, 1934 Death date: Jan 31, 2017
Calkins, John (Jack), 82, of St. Petersburg, FL passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on January 31, 2017. John was born on March 8, 1934 in Hartford, CT. He joined the Army at age 19 and was honorably discharged after Read Obituary
Brian, David and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. We enjoyed getting to know John and enjoyed seeing him dance and enjoying himself. We know you will all enjoy sharing the wonderful memories that were his life. Rest in Peace.
Love to you all,
Trish @ Ray Arredondo
Such a sweet loving angel, I will always treasure the amazing memories I have of you. Thank you for being my dance partner. I am sure you will be dancing in heaven with all the angels. Until we meet again, dance on💃🚶🏻
Love
Larry, Debbie, Michael & Larry❤️❤️❤️
Brian, David and Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy at the loss of Brian's father. We know you shared many good times together, and we were fortunate to be with you and him on many happy occasions. May he rest in peace, Don and Stew
Although 31 years seems like a long time, to me it isn't long enough. That's how many years I was able to spend with my Papa. There are so many great memories that we shared. He taught me how to ride a bike, dive in the pool, drive a car, and do taxes. He would take me to the Elks Lodge down the road and watch me swim for hours. When it was time to go I would always say "5 more minutes Papa!" What I wouldn't give for 5 more minutes... He would let me help him with projects around the house and in the yard, even after I wacked his thumb with a hammer. I still remember watching scary movies with him. I would climb in the bed and tell him that I wanted to watch the movie but not by myself. We also watched a lot of wrestling together. We ate cookies and ice cream and stared at the moon. Life was so much easier back then. Even as I got older, Papa was always there for me. He would hug me when I cried and lecture me when I needed it. He had a heart of gold. He was there when his great grandbabies were born and he was so proud to have them in his life. Oh how I wish we had more time together. We laughed, argued, loved, and cried many times throughout the years. I sure am grateful for all of the memories we shared. I love you and miss you with all of my heart. You may be gone from sight but you will always be in our hearts. I hope you're dancing in the sky....
Love always and forever,
Your grand daughter Dana
Jack was 4 years older than me but he was my favorite of my 14 first cousins. When we were both pretty young we often had sleep-overs at each others homes and had a lot of fun together.
I lived with my Aunt Rose for the better part of 7th grade and Jack was like an older brother to me. When he had just gotten his driver's license he taught me to drive even though I was only 12. One day, I drove with Jack to a pharmacy a few blocks away on Center Street. When we came out of the store I got in the driver's seat and a local constable came to the driver's window and asked for my license and registration. I told him that my cousin always let me start the car but I didn't drive it and I got out and went to the passenger's side while Jack slid over to the driver's position. We drove away while the constable was saying I could swear I saw the other kid drive up here.
When Jack got out of the Army he bought a new MGA roadster and promptly drove to my home and took me for a ride knowing I was really into cars. He was rightly very proud of that car. I was very happy for him.
Sadly, we lived in different states for the last 50 years and only got together about five or six times. Although we did touch base by email and phone I really enjoyed those get-togethers. I saw a picture in the video of our cousin Paul, Jack and I at one of those times.
Jack was a great guy and he will be missed!
We have so many memories of Uncle Jack from so many family events over the years. He was always willing to help us. He taught many of us how to drive a stick shift in the E-Systems parking lot until the guard chased us out. He always had some funny stories or jokes to share. My wife recounted the one he told her about childbirth nearly 40 years ago. I could count on him to help explain some complicated real estate legal descriptions even after he left his job in the City real estate department. He strove for perfection in everything he did. If you needed a topic researched, just mention it to Uncle Jack and he would get on the internet or make calls until he got an answer.
Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to all the Calkins extended family but especially Aunt Sally, Brian, Cindy, and Dana. We will miss you Uncle Jack but will hold dear all the precious memories. Jim Hobbs, Jr.
Uncle Jack, unfortunately I didn't get to spend a lot of time with you growing up. I do fondly remember you, and Aunt Sally opening your home to our youth group in the year 2000. Aunt Diana and uncle Jim did as well. I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with all of you at Grandmoms funeral at Aunt Franny's. You were so kind and so very funny! I'm so glad your body is at peace now. Please watch over Aunt Sally, the kids and grandkids and they grow and keep them safe. You are loved. I'm so glad your finally at peace. Sending lots of love and prayers to everyone of my family in Florida. You have made a lasting impression on all of us. God Speed Uncle Jim! I'm sure you're smiling down and keeping an eye on your family. Much love, and peace to all. Love, Heather Hyson
He always loved to tell me how when he and Aunt Sally were shopping I decided to use him as a diaper and soak the front side of him. He always had good jokes to tell. Love you uncle jack and thanks for the memories. Xoxoxoxox
