James Callahan Sr.
James “Jim” Michael Callahan Sr., 75, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 22, 2021.
James was born May 7, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, to John Joseph and Lydia Dorothy (Moses) Callahan. He grew up and attended school at St. Edwards Catholic School in St. Louis and graduated from Normandy High School, class of 1964. Jim soon went to work as a welder for Combustion Engineering in St. louis. He was drafted into the United States Army on January 7, 1969 at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. While stationed in Germany he was a sharpshooter and a clerk typist. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his discharge on December 29, 1970, he went back to work for Combustion Engineering.
Jim was united in marriage to Johanna Ward on January 24, 1975 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan. They were blessed with two sons, James Jr. and Benjamin. As a family, they lived in Arnold and Barnhardt before moving to Sullivan in 1985.
After the closure of Combustion Engineering, Jim went to work for Vincent Metal Goods, which eventually became Intergris Metals, from which he retired in 2003. Jim enjoyed working in his woodworking shop, as well as working outdoors. He also loved cars, fishing, hiking and camping. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Johanna Callahan, of Sullivan, MO; his two sons, James M. Callahan Jr. of Sullivan, MO, and Benjamin J. Callahan and wife Amber of Bourbon, MO; four grandchildren: Alik J. Callahan of Sullivan, MO, Serenity N. Callahan, Ethan D. Callahan and Faith A. Callahan, all of Union, MO; sisters-in-law, Kathy and Marge Callahan; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lydia Callahan; seven brothers: Ray, Larry, Joe, Pat, Johnny, Benjamin and Richard (Edward) Callahan; and six sisters: Peggy Misko, Lydia Callahan, Mary Frame, Charlotte Burton, Marcella (Sally) Hagen and Martha Callahan.
Cremation arrangements have taken place. A memorial service was held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Grace United Methodist Church. A private burial will be held at a later date in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Online condolences may be shared with James’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.