From Robert Sutton, a wonderful friend from West Hollywood, CA. (From Facebook):

James and I met on our first ski trip with Saga. Since then he gave me all his "single person" camping gear and got me started camping and hiking with Saga Ski Club. Later, after I joined the board, James was elected as social director for one year then president for his last year with Saga. James and Brent Robson were only living just a few blocks from me which gave us many opportunities to socialize and drive together to Saga events. James included me in many of his personal activities including parties thrown by Jeff Guillory. James brought color and pizzaz to Saga's social events and club parties. As you can see in the photo's, James was captivating as president and held all's attention. He easily gained the respect among his peers, for he put his all into everything he did. I was most impressed and so pleased that he let me into his private life. I had seen that he was declining in his health back in January of 2015 and told him if he ever needed any thing to not hesitate, and did not hear from him until he was in Cedars Emergency Room. James Renny Caleca left a message on my phone saying he was in the ER, but I may not want to stop by for he would probably be sleeping. I jumped at the chance, sat by his bed until he awoke. From there I was able to help him in his recovery. I then learned about his helping and caring family. Stephany Caleca Sutton (James sister) is a God Send, for she and Brent would alternate two weeks stays in James' home. I am so pleased that he kept in contact after he and Brent moved to Washington DC letting me know of his recovery and then his declining health. I am pleased that I was invited into James life, I greatly miss him, but he has left me with many wonderful memories, along with a great friend, Brent.
I have shared below, some of my photo's of times that I spent with James Renny Caleca and his friends.

More lovely sentiments shared on Facebook -- this time from Anthony DeSousa:

James Renny Caleca will remain one of the best souls I will ever know in this life. His flair, compassion for others and passion for life most will never experience personally. Those who did are blessed. And man could he dance! There was a time when I would meet him at the train station going into NYC at Bethpage. We had great conversations about design, style, life in general and food. His every move emphasized just how strongly he felt about the topic. I admired that kind of conviction and have never seen another display it as Jimmy did. See you soon cousin; I'll bring the pizza recipes... Lorraine, my love to all of you. The Caleca family's commitment to one another is so deep that its beyond reproach. Thank you Brent for all of the love you game Jimmy. I love you all.

This wonderful memorial to James was written by Jeff Guillory and posted to Facebook:

As many of you have already seen, we lost an amazing, loving friend yesterday. James Renny Caleca ("Sweet James" as we called him) was one of my closest friends in the world. We shared so many great times together...ski trips to Mammoth, happy hours, great dinners, trips, hikes, pool parties, long talks, everything. He was one of the most kind, caring, loving, calm, giving, fun, creative, intelligent, and best people I knew. We met on my first trip to Mammoth with Saga Ski Club when James was walking up and down the aisles of the bus introducing himself to everyone with his brilliant smile. I thought he must be like the welcome committee or something. I knew no one in the club. But no, he wasn't the committee. That was James, just a sweet loving person walking up and down the aisles meeting everyone on the bus until he got to the back where I was sitting and he took the seat next to me and we just talked and talked the rest of the 4 hour drive to Mammoth. We have been close friends ever since and have shared so many wonderful times together. When he met Brent years ago, I feared maybe we would grow apart as people do when one gets involved in a serious relationship. But no, not with James, Instead I gained a new wonderful friend in Brent Robson and the wonderful times continued culminating in the three of us taking a dream trip to Japan last January! James lost his courageous battle with cancer yesterday. But he will live in my heart forever. Farewell my friend. I love you and until we meet again...

My Brother Jimi was the most beautiful baby! My mother almost entered him in the Gerber Baby Contest! He was so full of life, funny and always posed for the camera. Look, he's in plaid even as a baby! Oh, how I miss him so much!

Jimmy and I were roommates in Pasadena while attending ArtCenter College of Design. Jimmy radiated joy and love the minute he stepped into my life. A gift showed up on my doorstep that day! Jimmy. Imagine, I was simply looking for a roommate and instead hit the lottery in that I gained a really amazing friend too. It was lovely coming home to such a positive person who
would greet me with a warm smile and offer me a glass of chianti while he made pasta in the kitchen:)

I always enjoyed our long conversations about art, love or anything really.

I have experienced some of the funniest moments in life with Jimmy. I recall him eating an entire papaya one evening. The next morning I needed to get into the bathroom and couldn't because Jimmy was stuck in there for what seemed to be hours. 😭
As papaya is a diuretic! He screamed "Oh Catherine, what have I done? eating an entire papaya" 😭

Then there is the time Jimmy brought home a "friend" from a camping trip, a Madagascar roach, the largest I had ever seen.
We both screamed like little girls when we discovered it and stood on chairs looking at each other a❤️s to what we were to do next 😭

Aside from our funny moments we shared, Jimmy was the best friend I could ever wish for. Such a generous soul and thoughtful.
Upon my graduating from design school he bought me a cake that had " you are outta there". ❤️ written on it.

I'm soo grateful that I was able to see Jimmy last year in NYC over dinner. As always, he had a massive smile on his face.

Rest in peace my beautiful friend.

With so much love,

Cat

A bunch of us at the Junior Banquet. Jimmy was fun, sweet, kind, funny, so smart. xoxo

Jimmy & Vanessa at the Senior Banquet 1989. Loved my Jimmy!

Jimi was a dear friend from high school. Here are some of the great memories that I will always remember (1987- 1989)

A flawless face that i miss and love - Jimi gave this picture of himself to me shortly after we became friends at NYIT some 26 years ago.

I am thinking of you and loving you!

I knew him as Jimmy in high school and he graduated 2 years before I did. We were in the school musicals together and I always remember Jimmy being such a gentle soul. He was always soft spoken, positiv,e and encouraging. The Jimmy I picture has a mullet and is wearing Z.Cavaricci pants! (Hey, it was the style back then!) Reading about his life he definitely lived it to its fullest and made an impact on many. Much love sent to all of those who loved him.
Xoxo kathryn huemmer sabatini