August 16, 1937 - October 11, 2015
Jim was born in Tuscaloosa, AL and grew up in Homewood, where as a young boy he operated the projector for weekend movies in Homewood Park with his pet squirrel on his shoulder. He attended Shades Cahaba School and Shades Valley High School, where he played basketball. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1960 and was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. His family’s business was Calhoun's Shoes which was opened in 1950 by his Father Waldo Franklin Calhoun in downtown Homewood and all the Calhoun children worked in the business. Upon graduation from college and service in France with the United States Air National Guard, Jim embarked on his entrepreneurial journey opening his first store in Five Points West. Over the span of 30 years his retail business grew throughout the state of Alabama with as many as 10 retail stores. In the early 1990’s while running that business with his wife and children, Jim started working on a new endeavor, Shoe Corporation of Birmingham, Inc to manufacture and distribute footwear for the prison industry, growing to the point where he had clients in all fifty states and was able to close his last retail store in 2001. Jim was married to his one true love, Brenda Ellen Maxwell for more than 54 years. As a couple they traveled the world. Jim was an avid tennis player for many years before making the switch to golf. It was never too hot, too late, too early, too cold nor was he ever too tired to hit at least one round. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he enjoyed time with them at the lake and on the golf course. Jim was a very gracious and giving soul who never tired of giving people a second chance. He was giving of his time, resources and blood. He donated his blood over 250 times to the Red Cross - nearly 20 gallons in his lifetime. Preceding him in death were his Father Waldo Franklin Calhoun and Mother Gladys Eatman Calhoun. Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda Maxwell Calhoun, his daughter, Michelle Finney (Greg) and grandchildren, Conner and Layton, his son, J. Wesley Calhoun (Meredith), his sister Carolyn Marlow Battle (Sue Battle-McDonald (Chris McDonald) and Cynthia Battle (Esteban Cardemil) - Timonium, MD), his brother David Hudgins Calhoun (Andrea and Matthew - Leonia, NJ) and sister Anne Eatman Calhoun (Rick Ikeda, Rob and Melissa - Vienna, Virginia).
Services will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood on Thursday, October 15 at Noon with a reception following. In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations (blood or dollars) be made to the Birmingham or Tuscaloosa Red Cross chapter.
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