On April 23, 2021, retired Judge James A. Cales, Jr., passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Born in Richmond to the late Reverend James A. Cales, Sr., and Madeline Goode Cales, Jac graduated from Great Bridge High School and he later attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees.

Jac moved to his adopted hometown of Portsmouth in 1968 and began a 50-year career of service to his community.  Jac served until 1971 as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in what he described as the most enjoyable job he ever had.  He was then elected Commonwealth's Attorney with support from every community of the city.

In 1983, Jac began his 29-year judicial career when he was selected by the General Assembly to sit on Portsmouth's General District Court.  After 14 years, Jac was appointed to a seat on the Portsmouth Circuit Court where he served for 15 years.  After retiring, he remained active with judicial settlement conferences and would sit as a substitute judge in various area courts .

Litigants and lawyers who appeared before him were treated equally and fairly.  His entire career was also marked by a concern for victims, witnesses, and jurors.

Jac is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon Cales, and their children: Melissa Cales Schwartz of McLean, and James A. Cales III of Chesapeake.  Jac also had a special place in his heart for his son-in-law Jamie Schwartz and daughter-in-law Jennifer Cales not only as beloved family members and parents of his grandchildren, but mostly for keeping Melissa and Jim from moving back home.

Jac's pride and joy were his six grandchildren:  Riley, Spencer, and Logan Schwartz, and Emily, Ava, and Jacob Cales.  He would do his best to attend any recital, concert, game, or graduation he could.  In the ongoing contest for favorite grandchild, the final tally was a six-way tie for first.

He worked with and served as a mentor to a multitude of members of the legal community, many of whom remained close friends and co-workers throughout the remainder of his life.  Jac also leaves behind many dear and close friends outside the legal community

Jac was provided exceptional care by the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.  In particular, the compassion shown and professional care provided by the nursing staff and aides in Neuro-ICU made a difficult time as comfortable for him and his family as possible.

A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27, outdoors at Green Acres Presbyterian Church, 3135 Hanley Ave., Portsmouth.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters at P.O. Box 2156, Norfolk, VA 23501-2156. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com .