Carl James Fondren, “CJ”, loved living life to its fullest!
What can you say about a person who touched the heart and souls of so many people?
On February 10, 2022, Jesus took CJ’s hand in his and guided him back to be with our Lord and his loving family in heaven. At the time of his passing, he was at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 1, 1953, to Odean and Carl Fondren, CJ was a simple country boy who always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a kind word to say to everyone and every pet he met. He even gave nicknames to them. CJ believed that actions speak louder than words. He was known for his quick visits to family and friends, always keeping in touch and offering his support.
High school started for CJ in Florida, where he played both football and the tuba in the marching band (occasionally on the same day). He graduated high school in New Castle, Delaware, from William Penn (his sisters’ alma mater). He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Colorado, a state he loved greatly. After the Air Force, CJ returned to Delaware, where he enrolled in the University of Delaware (GO BLUE HENS) and received his degree in marketing.
CJ found his work-home with WL Gore. He enjoyed working, playing, and associating with his teammates at Gore for 30 plus years before retiring.
In his retirement he remained active. He managed the Mispillion Fitness Gym and became a lifeguard at the Boys & Girls Club in Milford, where he made friends quickly.
CJ is survived by his wife Betty, her sons Daniel (wife Jennifer); Jason (wife Alexis) and 5 grandchildren; his sisters Mary Lackman (husband Luke) and daughters Janie Lackman and Laura Sifford; and sister Aubrey Biehn and her daughters Jacquelyn Clark and Suzanne Merrill.
Although a private person, CJ enjoyed visiting our Senior Center to
pick up some lunch and share a laugh, going to hear a friend play music or to cheer them on as they played a sport. Regarding his desire for privacy, however, please know that it was CJ’s choice to not share his illness with anyone.
We wish to thank the staff at Compassionate Care Hospice and all the people they contacted who helped us with CJ’s care. You all were just wonderful!
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, April 30 at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. Following the service, the celebration will continue at the Greater Milford Boys and Girls Club, 101 Delaware Veterans Blvd, Milford. Please come and feel free to share any story you wish. CJ would like it very much to know his laughter still carries on.
If you plan on joining us, please text CJ's phone @ 302-900-1639. We look forward to meeting you.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to your local Boys & Girls Club, Senior Center, or to “Zero Prostate Cancer” at cancer.org. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.
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