WILMINGTON — James T. “Jim,” “D.D.” Kalish, 71, was called home Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. He was born Sept. 29, 1946.
He leaves behind a loving family including his wife, Ann; son, Jamey, and his wife, Debbie; daughter, Amanda; and granddaughters, Jade, Kali and Tessa.
He retired from GE and was a mechanical whiz, but his greatest accomplishment was becoming Grandaddy. His granddaughters were his pride and joy, always bringing a smile to his face and love to his heart. He enjoyed spending time with them, fishing, NASCAR and attending to the many squirrels in his yard as well as his hobby of collecting mowers.
Being third in a family of nine, Jim learned early on what was really important, and with his loving heart and tender spirit, he spent many hours helping others. He volunteered in many capacities, held many positions, made many friends and never forgot them. Jim was recognized for his willingness to go the extra mile and was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” for his many years of volunteering.
Many weeks ago, Jim requested that special thanks go to his daughter, Amanda, who has been the rock that kept this family together during these hard times; and his son, Jamey, and his wife, Debbie; sister, Betsy; and nephew, Trey, who were always there with visits, phone calls and pep talks.
The family wants to extend special thanks to Ken for thinking of Jim each time he traveled through Sumter and Mac for the visits and shrimp; Roy, Dennis, Leroy and Paul for always caring; Mike for stepping up and helping whenever and wherever he was needed; and Gene for going above and beyond what was ever expected. Family are the people in your life that want you in theirs.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Sadly, Jim lost his niece, Melanie, to domestic violence last year. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, to please make donations to domestic-violence assistance; or a charity of your choice.
Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…”
