Final Salute

James “Jim” Maurice Melder EQCM (DV) USN Retired
Jim was born on August 27, 1934 in Longleaf, Louisiana to Price Melder and Inez Fairchild Melder and passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edwina Larance Melder and his only child, son, Gregory Melder. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Janice Farmer Andrus and husband, Bobby Andrus, and Virginia Butler and husband, Dr. Jerome Butler; in-laws Barbara and Jim Needham; and numerous special nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. He has a very special aunt and uncle, Robert and Emma Fairchild Whitehead, who have been his prayer partners and were very close to him. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Jack Farmer; his in-laws, L.A. and Lila Larance; and in-laws, Mae and Dick Freeman.
Jim was a long-time member of Summer Grove Baptist Church since 1972. He was very supportive of the Counting Committee and went early on Mondays and had donuts and hot coffee ready when other members arrived. He also had hot coffee and a special greeting for each member of his Sunday school class.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Bradford where he spent his last few weeks in the care of Southern Care Hospice. For many years of special care, we want to thank Dr. James Jackson and Erin Dicharry and their staff. Also, we want to thank the doctors and nurses of Willis-Knighton Medical Center Emergency Department and staff of 3 West. A very special thanks goes to Diane Peoples, his long-time caretaker.
Jim was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1952-1972, retiring as an E-9. He was an underwater construction diver. He had many deployments and projects, but his highlights were being on the SeaLab-III Project and being Master Chief of Underwater Construction Team One (UCT-1).
The family suggest memorials may be made in James’ memory to Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8924 Jewella Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71118 or by visiting www.summergrove.org/giving.