James Henry Callahan, Jr., 85, passed peacefully on November 19, 2017, with loved ones around him. Jim showed amazing courage and resilience since an accident in August of 2012. Despite his determination to walk again, his injuries proved to be insurmountable. Born September 25, 1932 in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the only child of the late Marie (Woodward) Durga and James Henry Callahan, Sr.
At age 17, Jim joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany with the 1st Infantry Division, Big Red One, 63rd heavy tank battalion. Following his military service, Jim married his lifelong love of nearly 60 years, Joan (Kruse) Callahan, settling in Collinsville with his beloved wife and cherished three children. Jim was employed at Hartford Ball Company for 35 years in International Shipping, and then spent 10 years at Staples where he discovered a talent for computers. A tireless worker, he also operated a vending machine business, and was a passionate antiques dealer, found most weekends trading at area flea markets. He was an avid stamp and coin collector and President of the Farmington Valley Stamp Club. Proud of his Irish heritage, Jim celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with lively outfits and decorations. A natural artist, he enjoyed drawing cartoon characters and painting carousel horses. He could fix anything and spent hours tinkering with watches. Jim will be remembered for working hard for his family, being a fun “Poppy” to his grandchildren, always stopping for tag sales, his quirky humor, early morning jaunts to Dunkin’, and a kinship with animals, especially his adored “JC the Wonder Cat.”
Besides his devoted wife, who has been his guiding light supporting him through his medical challenges, Jim is survived by his son, James Callahan (Patty), daughters Kira Glenn (Kevin) and Laura Green, and his dear grandchildren, Erin Trauth, Timothy Trauth (Caitlin), Shawn Ferris, Lindsay Jones (Randy), Ryan Callahan, and great-granddaughter Delaney Trauth. He will be missed by his caring sister-in-law Diane Allen, who always laughed at his kooky jokes, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special gratitude goes to his loyal friend, Ed Cebula, who recently predeceased him. The family gives heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Miranda and Dr. David Giles for their lifesaving surgeries which gave Jim treasured time with family and friends. They are grateful to Apple Rehab in Avon for their kind care and support the past five years.
Calling hours will be Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 12 noon to 2 pm at Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike, Canton, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm. Burial will be private. To honor Jim’s memory, please consider a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. To share a memory, please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.