James J. Callahan

James Joseph Callahan, 56 years of age, passed away with his brothers Jack and Mike, and sister-in-law Sue at his side on April 13, 2024, after a very brave and courageous fight against brain cancer. Fatefully, his own cancer battle coincided with his older brother Billy’s liver cancer struggle. In their final hospice days, they were brought together to be of great comfort to each other.   

Jim was the youngest son of the Callahan Clan. He is survived by his five brothers and sisters and their significant others; John Callahan and his wife Sue Callahan of Millbury, Jean Callahan Hanley of Millbury, Michael Callahan and his wife Jennifer  of Oxford, Lori Callahan of Millbury, and Kerri Callahan Couture and her husband Robert of Oxford as well as several nieces and nephews. Both of his parents, John and Carol Provencher Callahan, predeceased him. His brother William Callahan just recently passed on March 1, 2024 and his brother Steven Callahan passed in 2013. 

Jim was a highly skilled plasterer and worked for many area companies. He learned the trade from his brother Steven and uncles. He worked for many years with his brother Steven and his other “brother” Joel Charity. 

Jim was raised in Sutton. As a kid, he liked to ride mini and motor bikes in the old gravel pits. When he was older, he enjoyed off road four wheeling and developed a bike-building hobby. As a young adult, he was involved in an almost fatal ATV accident off a cliff. Miraculously he survived, yet his recovery from the traumatic fall was enduring and hard. Yet somehow, he persevered and never complained about the “hand” he was dealt, despite all of his complex fractures. He was truly just grateful to be able to live another day.

Later in life, he lived in Worcester for many years with his longtime friend and companion, Alice Letourneau. For years, he was his Brother Steven’s frequent “sidekick”, whenever visiting friends, family, concerts or local haunts.

Jim loved the holidays. He especially enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. He was proud of his Irish roots and you could always catch “Jimbo” sporting some sort of Celtic shirt throughout the year, not just in March! He was especially fond of the annual traditional Irish dinner at his brother Jack and Sue’s home and was not shy about taking leftovers home! He really looked forward to all family cookouts and reunions, where he could catch up with his immediate and extended family.   

He also really loved being outdoors. No matter the season, you could often find him just sitting outside soaking up the sunshine and taking in nature around him. He enjoyed quiet evening campfires with Mike, Billy and Steven, especially when Steven was undergoing radiation treatments.

Jim’s approach to life was truly simple. He believed in just enjoying the day and being kind to others. He always expressed gratitude and was complimentary, whether you were giving him a slice of pie at a cookout, a ride to work, accompanying him to doctor appointments or just handing him a beer. 

He enjoyed the company of others and listening to their stories. No matter how long it had been since you last spoke, Jim’s face would light up with a smile when you met. If you were fortunate enough to be a woman friend or family member, you received not only the smile, but also an endearing “Hey Sweetheart”. His gentle spirit will be forever in the hearts of friends and family.

Calling hours will be held jointly for Jim and his brother Bill on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main Street in Millbury. A private family burial will held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Millbury Central Cemetery, 47 Waters Street.

The family deeply appreciates the care he received at Regal Health Care for the past four months. Donations in memory of Jim can be made online to the UMass Cancer Center at giving@umassmed.edu