JACK CALLAGHAN

JACK CALLAGHAN
September 18, 1951 - November 06, 2024
John Walter (Jack) Callaghan, surrounded by loving family, passed away on November 6, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jack was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on September 18, 1951 to Thomas and Ruth (Thye) Callaghan. He was the second of three children: older brother, Kevin, and younger sister, Jennifer. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Some of Jack's fondest memories were from his time growing up in Grand Forks. He graduated from St. James High School (Class of 1969) where he and his buddies formed friendships that lasted their entire lives.
Jack continued his education at Harvard University, graduating in 1973. While at Harvard, he spent a year abroad in the International Honors program, which he credits with fostering his lifelong love of travel and appreciation of other cultures. Jack spent a year studying at the Anthropology Film Center (1974) before going on to get his Ph.D in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Chicago in 1981.
As a long-time resident of Santa Fe, Jack proudly worked for New Mexico state government for 29 years. He started out in 1981 as a "Planner" in the Health and Environment Department. Over the years, Jack held many leadership positions in state government, including Director of the Social Services Division, Long-Term Care and Restorative Services Division, Health Improvement Division, Public Health Division, and Mental Health Division. Jack also served as the Deputy Secretary for Programs at the Department of Health. After retiring from state government, Jack moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he served as the Chief Executive Officer for The Guidance Center, a community behavioral health center. Jack retired for the fourth and final time in 2017. After retiring, Jack enjoyed living in Flagstaff, walking his dogs Opus and Cally, and traveling with his wife, Katie.
Jack had many interests in life, but sports and music were top of his list. He loved attending live music events, from listening to local bands at a small neighborhood bar to traveling to large concerts featuring his favorite rock-n-roll bands. Jack was a great fan of "the mighty Los Angeles Lakers," and a long-time, loyal (though often disappointed!) fan of the Minnesota Vikings.
Jack was a tremendous husband, father, step-father, and grandfather. He was very proud of his family and loved spending time with them. Jack is survived by his wife, Katie Falls; son Jackson Callaghan and his wife, Meghan Erickson, and granddaughter, Abby; daughter Kat Callaghan; stepson Luke Calhoun and his wife, Chelsey, and granddaughters Avery, Ella, and Lucy; stepson Ben Calhoun and his wife, Amy Pozza, and granddaughter Addison and grandson Ben; stepson Peter Calhoun and his wife Erin; and stepson David Calhoun. Jack is also survived by his brother Kevin Callaghan and his wife, Diann; sister Jennifer Feltman and her husband Tom; and several nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Tom Callaghan and his aunt, Donna Hesse, with whom he had a special relationship.
A service to give thanks for Jack's life and commit his soul to God's care will be held on December 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. at The United Church of Santa Fe (1804 Arroyo Chamiso, corner of St. Michael's Dr.), Rev. Talitha Arnold presiding. 505-988-3295. Jack will be interred at Rosario Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the World Central Kitchen would be a wonderful way to remember Jack.