James Callahan

Jim was born and raised in Long Beach, California to parents James M. and Gloria Callahan. He was a Long Beach Wilson High School Bruin and graduated from California State University, Fullerton (he called “Ca-Suf”) with a degree in accounting and his CPA license. Jim met the love of his life, Kathy, while working at Mater Dei High School. They married in 1992 and created a family he treasured with her two daughters. As his family grew, Jim was excited to spend time with his sons-in-law and to take his granddaughter on her first ride on the Matterhorn at Disneyland.

Jim made friends everywhere he went and maintained many of these friendships for the rest of his life, even when his career took him to different organizations. He always enjoyed a Dodger Dog (mustard and onions only) while cheering on his Dodgers in person and enjoyed the dulcet tones of Vin Scully from home.

Jim was a music lover, avid reader, and was always ready with a joke or a pun. He always said “an undocumented life was not worth living”, so he compiled a playlist with over 3,000 songs, logged every book he’d read for the last 21 years, and kept a daily journal. Jim loved to travel. He planned annual trips to Laughlin, Nevada casinos with his parents and sister, and later with his wife, to play blackjack and pai gow poker. He also led the family, dubbed the “Fearsome Foursome”, on many adventures in the United States and abroad.

Jim was a devout man of deep faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He also served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. In retirement, Jim spent more time with family and friends, ran the football and baseball pools, and began guitar and banjo lessons.

He is predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Erin Conklin and Linda Callahan. Jim is survived by his wife of 29 years, Kathy, his daughters, Heather Febert (Andrew) and Shannon Lawley (Leland), his granddaughter, Katie, and his beloved cat, Finnegan.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Knights of Columbus or Save Our Cats and Kittens from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (SOCK FIP) would be appreciated.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary, 14801 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 17270 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.