James Calvin Cagle

Ft. Pierce, FL November 2, 2013 Lodge #248 October 13, 1923 – November 2, 2013 James passed away November 2, 2013 in the Moosehaven Life Care Center at the age of 90. He was born to Calvin and Annie Cagle on October 13, 1923 in Mayfield, Kentucky. After James received his GED he joined the United States Marines at 17 years old. He was a flamethrower on the island of Peleliu during World War II, for which he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He saved seven Marines who were pinned down by Japanese machine guns. James had total disregard for his personal safety. He walked through the minefield under fire from the Japanese, and used his flamethrower to wipe out the enemy. He had to return to his supply point several hundred yards away to reload his weapon. He finally collapsed from exhaustion. Private First Class James C. Cagle received the Silver Star Medal for his gallant conduct and outstanding loyalty in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services. It was the battle for Okinawa that he received his Purple Heart. A mortar round fell near him and he received a concussion but was back on the line in three days. He served in the Marines from November 6, 1942 to November 30, 1945. James retired with the rank of Corporal. After the war, James came home and married his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth Smithmier on December 23, 1945. They had three children Joyce, Larry and Gerald. She preceded him in death on March 8, 1971. He married Shirley Wulkan on December 23, 1971. She blessed him with three stepsons, David, Norman and William. She preceded him in death on arch 15, 2012. James worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority as a lineman and was a tree trimmer for Consumer’s Power Company in Jackson, MI retiring in 1982. He became affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose on June 19, 1974 when he joined Jackson, Michigan Lodge #156. When he moved to Florida, he transferred to Fort Pierce, Florida Lodge #248. James came to Moosehaven on September 25, 2012 where he resided for 1 year. Services and burial held in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. He is survived by daughter, Joyce Millican of Jackson, Michigan, sons Larry Cagle of Albion, Michigan, Gerald Cagle of Richland Hills, Texas and stepsons, A. David Wulkan, Norman Wulkan of Jenson Beach, Florida and William Wulkan of Grass Lake, Michigan. He also has eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.