James Callahan

With the curious mixture of sadness and joy which only those whose hearts are fixed firmly to Jesus, their Anchor, we announce that the work of James Taggart Callahan has now finished, with his death on October 2nd, 2020, peacefully and at home. 

James is survived by Lisa (nee Maxwell) Callahan, his devoted wife, caregiver, confidante and rock of 41 years, his daughters Lauren (Rich) Denius; grandsons: Jaren Richard, Kaden James and Declan Callahan Denius, Morgan (Sammy) Starr; granddaughter (January 2021) and, Shannon (Kyle) Koepke, and his brother John (Angie) Callahan. He was predeceased by his sister Susan Kessler and his parents, Arden and Jennette Callahan, missionaries with New Tribes Mission in Brazil, where James spent formative, adventure-filled years.

Able to produce music on many instruments within reach, and possessed of a tenor voice of uncommon warmth and clarity, James found his greatest pleasure and highest calling in expressing endless worship of his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully served through music - and with every other facet of his life. His years as the Choir Director at Northwest Bible Church in Hilliard, Ohio left a glowing thankfulness for his passion for praise among all who sang under his direction. 

As an avid civil aviator, James shared his talents with many friends - including the young lady, Lisa, who was to become the wind beneath his wings, whom he took flying on their very first date. His association with the precision and care of flying, which exemplified his approach to life, found expression in his work as an airframe mechanic for Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, and then as a just-in-time Production Manager for Rockwell Corp., McDonnell Douglas Corp., and finally a Buyer for R&D Engineering Honda of America.

Well-acquainted with the rigors of health related challenges for a substantial portion of his life, James was one of the longest surviving bone marrow transplant recipients in the United States, having celebrating nearly 25 years of victory over leukemia. The family remains grateful for the medical professionals whose skills and devotion were brought to bear on his behalf at Doane and Froedtert University of Wisconsin hospitals in Milwaukee those 25 years ago. We are also thankful for the nursing staff of the OSU Ross Heart Hospital, where James most recently received such noteworthy care on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th floors. The frequency with which their services were needed bring the family likewise to gratefully recognize the cheerful and careful attendance of Columbus Medic Squads 13, 19 and 24.

Particularly, James' family notes our enduring and unpayable debt of gratitude which remains owed to Eleanor Chamness of Cornelius, NC, whose life-restoring gift of bone marrow to him is of inexpressible worth.

James never knew a stranger. His warm greeting and welcoming smile were guided by the kindness of Jesus as he also valued each person and opportunity. He mentored, shared his faith, and built into the hearts and lives of many through Bible studies and breakfasts.

The three daughters who ornamented James' life, and whose unfailing bedside presence brought much comfort and joy to his failing heart in his last days, join with their mother, Lisa, in an attempt to convey their heartfelt thanks for the many personal visits, phone calls, notes, and other kindnesses shown them by all the family, friends and associates for the various paths of life down which James was blessed to walk with you during his 65 year sojourn here on his way Home.

Your kind contributions to the James Callahan Memorial Fund for the benefit of his surviving family to help retire remaining medical bills and expenses are deeply appreciated.  

For your convenience, we have set up giving options with PayPal and Venmo. Links are below:  

https://paypal.me/JTCMemorialFund?locale.x=en_US 

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3114491155841024507       

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00a.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020 at Northwest Bible Church, 6639 Scioto-Darby Creek Road, Hilliard, OH 43026. 

Please share your favorite memories of James on this website or send your condolences to his family: www.tiddfuneralservice.com.