Jack Michael Callahan

“Anything is possible.” That is what Jack Michael Callahan believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Jack thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Jack was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

Jack was born on October 8, 1942 in Los Angeles, Ca. His parents were Jack Junior and Mary Ann (Senn) Callahan. Jack was raised in California and Oregon. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Jack could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Jack's family relationships. Jack was raised with three younger brothers, Paul Gilliam, Jim and Jack Allen Callahan. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Jack was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

As a young boy, Jack could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Jack took part in track and baseball. In his spare time he liked baseball cards and comic books.

Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Jack enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Jack was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He graduated from James Madison High School in 1961.

Jack was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Jack to be very stimulating company. Jack's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were Paul Eaton, Mike Shilling, and Mike Chris.

On February 14, 1987, Jack exchanged wedding vows with Roberta (Robin) Louise McDonald in Portland, Or. Jack was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Jack was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Robin's.

Jack's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Jack was blessed with five children and two step-children, Michael, Mary, Donny, Jason, Jay, Amanda, and Rick. Someone who was quick to laugh, Jack found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them. He was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

As a born inventor, Jack was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Jack was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. His personal initiative inspired those around him. His primary occupation was as a bus driver. He was employed for 34 years by Tri-Met. Jack always made an effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Jack's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Jack carried with him into the military. Jack was a United States Marine Veteran. He served in the USMC from 1961 to 1967. Through his hard work and dedication, he earned not only the respect of his fellow service men and women, but also was presented with various awards, including the Good Conduct Medal. He achieved the rank of PFC with a specialty as a rifleman.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Jack. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Jack to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included cruises to Mexico and trips to Branson, Mo.

Jack was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jack's favorites was Zeus, a Saint Bernard. They were best friends for 9 years. His family was rounded out by Madeusa, a Saint Bernard, Sheila, an Aussie, and Tiger, a cat.

Even while in retirement, Jack never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. In 2004, his new life involved relocating to Milwaukie, Oregon. In retirement, he found new pleasure in volunteering for the Community Food Bank and his involvement with AA. Even in retirement, Jack continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Jack passed away on June 8, 2010 in his home in Milwaukie, Or. Jack succumbed to congestive heart failure, dementia, and chronic respiratory failure. He is survived by his wife,children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and brothers. Services will be held at 2:30PM, Saturday, June 12, 2010 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Jack will be laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery in a private gradeside ceremony.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Jack. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Jack was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Jack, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Jack Michael Callahan, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.