Charles McCallum

Charles E. McCallum is being remembered as a loving husband and father, an exemplary business leader and a dedicated community advocate. Charles passed away in his Grand Rapids home on Monday, February 9, with his devoted wife and daughter by his side.
A native of Memphis, Charles grew up in the city, attending Idlewild Presbyterian Church and graduating from Central High School. After high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in pure math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He changed course after graduation, spending a year reading the law as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Manchester (England). Upon his return, he earned his JD from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was managing editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review and Order of the Coif.
Upon graduation from law school, Charles joined the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd LLP. He concentrated his practice in corporate and international law, developing deep and lasting relationships with the leaders of many prominent West Michigan companies and organizations. Recognized as a brilliant lawyer with an impressive intellect, Charles knew it was essential to really understand the business his clients were involved in, whether it was manufacturing or health care or banking. Clients valued his wise counsel and strategic thinking.
In 1985, Charles married the love of his life, Lois Temple. The two made their home together in East Grand Rapids for many years.
Charles became Warner's third Managing Partner, serving from 1992 through 1998. He brought a strong focus to proactive business development, encouraging attorneys to actively seek new work at a time when few other law firms were doing so. Charles, who spoke four languages, launched the firm's International Business Practice Group, traveling to Europe and Asia to secure new automotive and other manufacturers who wanted a Michigan presence.
Charles secured the firm's membership in TerraLex, a collaborative global legal network with law firms in each of the 50 states and more than 120 countries. Charles served as CEO of TerraLex for six years, allowing he and Lois to make their home in California during that time.
Charles made many significant contributions to the legal profession during his lengthy career. He was active in the American Bar Association, rising to the role of Chair of the Business Law Section, one of the largest ABA sections. He wrote extensively on professionalism and ethics in the law, serving as the Chair of the ABA's Committee on Professional Responsibility and Editor-in-Chief of The Business Lawyer. He also served as Chair of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
His influence extended into the community, which Charles holding numerous leadership roles with business, civic and nonprofit organizations. These included chairing boards for Butterworth Hospital (now Corewell Health), Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Transit Authority, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Priority Health, among others. He also served on the executive board of The Right Place, Inc.
Charles was recognized with many awards over the years, including Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers Michigan and Chambers USA. He was a Fellow in the American College of Law Practice Management.
Charles was a master chess player, often playing four games at a time. He was passionate about animal rights and enjoyed walking his beloved dogs. Charles was a good and faithful friend to many.
Charles is survived by his wife, Lois Temple-McCallum and his children, Zachary McCallum, Printha McCallum, Sabra Temple and Chandler McCallum.
The family will hold a private service to honor his memory. If you would like to do something to honor the memory of Charles, please consider making a donation to the ASPCA or to a local animal shelter of your choosing.