Carl David James

Carl David James, 83, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of heaven on May 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, ingenuity, and steadfast love for his family and the many pursuits that brought him joy.

Born on August 15, 1942, in Union Furnace, Ohio, Carl lived a life defined by hard work, service, and wholehearted dedication to everything he chose to undertake. He spent many years
as a respected supervisor and tool-maker at the AT&T  plant on East Broad Street, where his craftsmanship, leadership, and problem-solving abilities earned the admiration of colleagues and
friends alike.

Carl’s passions were many, and he pursued each with enthusiasm and determination. He found great happiness vacationing with loved ones in the serene beauty of North Carolina’s Outer
Banks and along the rugged, picturesque coast of Maine. When living at his beautiful custom- built home in Pickerington, he became known for his remarkable ability—with ingenuity, perseverance, and more than a little duct tape—to keep an aging Ferguson tractor faithfully running as he mowed the many acres surrounding his home.

An avid firearms enthusiast, Carl devoted countless hours to his hobby, enjoying shooting events and attending gun shows alongside cherished friends. He owned several special sports cars and
bikes through the years, caring for them with meticulous attention and enjoying every detail. He also took immense pride in his honorable service in the United States Air Force Reserves,
carrying throughout his life a deep sense of patriotism and commitment to duty.

In a second-career role that brought him special joy, Carl spent 18 years as a school bus driver, where he genuinely loved the children he transported each day. His kindness, humor, and dependable presence left a lasting impression on countless young lives and their families.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl and Ruth (Nixon) James; numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his longtime best friend, Bill Solomon.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Darlene, whose love and partnership were the foundation of his life; his daughters, Tammi (Mark) Spayde, Jill Stotridge, and Amanda James;
his cherished grandchildren, Joshua (Beth) Dooley, Jordan (Liam) Baker, Alexandra (Noah) Parsons, Steven Spayde, Cooper Stotridge, and Mitchell Stotridge; and his adored great-
grandchildren, Kate, Rowan, and Granger.

Carl will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him—for his unwavering dedication, his resourceful spirit, his generous heart, his strong convictions and the strength with
which he lived his life.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Moreland Funeral Home in Westerville on Thursday, May 28, from 4-7 p.m. A second visitation will be held Friday, May 29, at Genoa
Baptist Church on Lewis Center Road from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. and a reception immediately following, also at the church.

If friends desire, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Carl’s name to Suncrest Hospice, Genoa Baptist Church on Lewis Center Road, or Otterbein SeniorLife New Albany,
whose compassionate staff provided loving care and comfort during Carl’s final days.