JR Calder

James "JR" Robert Calder Jr., 88, of Calhoun City, Mississippi, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those that loved him dearly on June 20, 2026, in Denton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents James Robert Calder Sr. and Sarah Calder.

He was born March 20, 1938, in Calhoun City, Mississippi. JR graduated from West Point High School where he then enlisted in the National Guard where he served for many years while making a name for himself as a motivated, hard worker in many industries. He moved around a few times with his family, before finally setting in Ponder, Texas in 1985.

 JR retired from Digital Equipment in 1995 and went on to a long, beloved second career as Head Cafeteria Chef with Denton Independent School District. He also worked at Market Street, operated his own BBQ food truck, and spent many summers as head chef at Camp Summit, just to name a few. Known for his skill with cooking, JR brought warmth and good food to countless tables and people. His quick smile, generous spirit, and passion for feeding family, friends, and community defined him. He was always ready with a smile, “Dad” joke and had a general warmth people loved to be around. JR loved hunting, fishing, cooking and spreading joy everywhere he went and literally never met a stranger. 

He is survived by his wife; Darlena Calder, son Greg Calder; daughters Jennifer Calder, Tamara Winters, Stephanie Jo Robinson, and Andrea Ritter and their spouses; four granddaughters; five grandsons; five great-grandchildren; brother Tommy Calder; and sisters Beth Calder and Joy Parker.

 Graveside Services will be held 10 AM Saturday July 18, 2026 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in West Point, MS where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents. 

In remembrance of JR, memorials may be made in JR’s name to Camp Summit.