James P. Callahan passed away with wife Lois by his side Thursday, April 27, 2017, after a short illness, just short of his 90th birthday. He was born in Mohall, N.D., to Marguerite and Arthur Callahan on June 1, 1927.
After graduation from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., he joined the Navy in 1946 and was in China on his 19th birthday. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of South Dakota. The majority of his career was with Kimberly-Clark as director of sales for fine papers.
Jim was a friendly, happy, outgoing person who many times was the life of the party, telling stories and jokes. He loved to work the odds for party bettors at Kentucky Derby and Super Bowl parties.
Travel was a big part of Lois and Jim’s life. Their last trip was a 30-day cruise around Africa and Asia. Jim is now on the best journey of his life.
Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lois. Jim and Lois had four children and six grandchildren, Elizabeth (Stuart) Schnabolk, Alyson (Brad) Alexander, James C. Callahan Jr., Gwendolyn S. Widicus, Claire G. Widicus and Emily L. Faulhaber; and one great-grandson, Weston James Schnabolk.
Funeral Mass for Mr. Callahan will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 4, St. Michael Catholic Church, 505 Broome St., Fernandina Beach, with a reception following to celebrate Jim’s life at Osprey Village in the formal dining room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Barnabas at http://barnabasnassau.org/donate or Barnabas Center Inc., 1303 Jasmine St., Suite 101, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; 261-7000.