Mackall, James Edward, Sr.
Birth: Tuesday, October 07, 1930
Death: Sunday, October 13, 2013 at the age of 83
Laid to Rest: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland
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James Edward Mackall, Sr. (affectionately known as "Daddy James, Pop-Pop, Cabbage & Puddin") was born October 7, 1930 to the late Calvert and Pauline Gross Mackall. He was called to his eternal rest on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Medstar St. Mary's Hospital.

James was a graduate of William Sampson Brooks High School Class of 1950. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1951. He served his country during the Korean War and received his National Defense Service Medal and Parachutists Badge. He was honorably discharged as a Parachutist.

On June 16, 1956, James was united in marriage to Ann Elizabeth Foote. From that union they were blessed with 11 children. James inherited the name "Daddy James" by many of his in-laws, nieces and nephews. They "adopted" Goldie, his sister-in-law, as one of their own. She surely played the role as the oldest big sister.

James was a member of the Cement Masons Local 891 and was employed by various construction companies. After years of doing what he enjoyed, he retired in 1987. During retirement, James enjoyed working in his garden, going on frequent visits to his parent's farm and riding his John Deere tractor. On most days, James could be found sitting in his signature chair watching inspirational broadcasts, game shows and westerns.

James had a strong love for gardening and farming along with masonry; all of these traits he inherited from his father. On a Saturday evening, you could sit for hours and listen to his stories. James was a true believer of honoring thy mother and father. You could hear this belief from the stories he told of his childhood to adulthood. He always expressed his true love for his parents and siblings. His values were trickled down to his children.

When it came to Math, James was brilliant! His math teacher (Mr. R. H. Ryans) encouraged him to further his education by attending college. However, due to economic times he opted to go into the service to give his sister an opportunity to attend college. One fond memory of James was his consistent visits to his parent's farm and the time his father sat on his wagon awaiting his visit and no one had the heart to tell his father that he had other plans and would not be visiting.

He was preceded in death by: three brothers, Bernard, Raymond and Russell; one sister, Thelma; grandson, Derrick Sherbert; mother-in-law, Mildred Foote; father-in-law James Oliver Foote and sister-in-law Agatha Brooks.

James is survived by: his wife, Ann; eleven children, Joyce, Gwendolyn Brooks (Stewart), Velinda Gross (Clinton, Sr.), James, Jr. (Bernice), Ray (Melissa), Robin Johnson (Felix), Timothy, Darren, Dana (Betty), Michelle and LaChonda (Keith); one brother, Turner (Juanita); six sisters, Bernice Mauldin (James), Phyllis Warren, Delores Mackall, Doris McNeil (Parham), Regina Grimes (Ben) and Shirley Mackall; thirty-one grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, James, Eugene, William, Stevenson and John Foote; sisters-in-law, Martha Mackall, Goldie Harrod, Mildred Ward, Jacqueline Foote, Marilyn Jones, Susan Spriggs, Betty and Gloria Mackall; and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

Arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home.
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