James “Jim” Joseph Callahan
James “Jim” Joseph Callahan
Cedar Rapids
Jim Callahan, of Cañon City, Colorado, died on February 4, 2024, following a long struggle with lung disease. He was 77 years old. James Joseph Callahan was born on October 10, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to John P. and Mary M. (Magirl) Callahan. He attended Immaculate Conception elementary school and graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids in 1964. He received a B.S. degree in History from Iowa State University in 1968. After service in the U.S. Navy, he received a J.D. degree from the University of Iowa, College of Law in 1974, and he was admitted to the Iowa Bar in that year. Following a short time in private law practice in Cedar Rapids, Jim moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1975, where he was an editor, and later Editor in Chief, at Shepard’s/McGraw-Hill, a law book publisher at that time. In 1985, he received an MBA degree in Finance from the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. He worked in financial management for the former ABEK, Inc., and taught college level courses in business law and finance for several years; he later owned and operated his own small retail business. In the mid 90’s, Jim briefly returned to Iowa, where he owned and operated a family restaurant in West Union. He then returned to Colorado, settling in Cañon City, where he lived for the rest of his life. He worked full-time, then part-time, in semi-retirement before finally retiring completely in 2007. Throughout his adult life while living in Colorado, Jim enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. He did as much of those as he could until his health made it difficult to continue. He dearly loved his family and friends and the fun and laughter he shared with them.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brothers and their wives; Michael (Rosemary) of Nebraska City, Nebraska, John (Ruth) of Cedar Rapids, and Kevin (Jacqueline) of Springdale, Iowa. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their offspring. He never married and had no children of his own but he is survived by his dear friend of many years, Rita Personett of Cañon City. No formal memorial service is planned at this time. For Online Condolences, please visit: www.holtfamilyfuneralhome.com