Cpl. James Edward Caldwell, 98, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on June 16, 2026. Born to the late Ernest Burr Caldwell and Elsie Mae Gilliland, James was a lifelong resident of the West Nashville community. After attending Central High School, he enlisted in the Army but was reassigned to the Army Air Corps for his knowledge in radio operations/Morse code and deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Arriving after the Yonton Airfield had been secured by American forces in the Battle of Okinawa, he joined the communication unit of 418th Night Fighter Squadron. After his military service, he returned to Nashville and met the love of his life, Nell Gassaway, at the Hippodrome skating rink. They married in 1952 and shared 68 years together flying, camping and boating. He worked as an electrical apprentice at Victor Chemical Company and later transferred to Ford Glass Company where he worked until his retirement. James had a lifelong passion for aviation and music. As a child he would watch planes with his father at McConnell Field, Nashville’s first municipal airport, now McCabe Park. After his military service, he obtained his pilot license in 1946 which remained active 70 years. He was both an A & P and flight instructor who instructed not only his wife but family members and dear friends. As a guitar player and member of the local Muddy River Band, he performed at local venues during the 70’s and 80’s. He was a member of Charlotte Heights Church of Christ. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Nell, and lifelong friend and flying buddy, Bob Poole. 

He is survived by nephew, Eddie (Benita) Johnson and family, the Poole and Fisk families and special friends Judi Beachum, Wayne Underhill, Matthew Schipani, and Sgt. Matthew Valiquette.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, with a funeral service to commence at 12:30 pm. Pastor Josh Barnett will preside over the service. Active pall bearers are, Ted Fisk, Jeff Fisk, Wayne Underhill, Eddie Johnson, Stephanie Jenkins and Sgt. Matthew Valiquette as well as an honorary pall bearer, Herb Allen.

The committal service will take place immediately after at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 2:00 PM.