I was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. My heart goes out to Katrina and the children. Sincere condolences to Jim’s extended family as well. I count myself amongst those who will miss this wonderful man.
As circumstance had it, Jim and I had been out of touch for the past two, possibly going on three years. It thus came as a great shock to learn of Jim’s passing. My dear friend James was a kind and private man.
I met James McCallum in the late 1990’s. Then in search of accounting services for an engineering company I had formed with two other business partners. Jim was a dozen years my senior. We go back almost a quarter century.
Jim inspired confidence from the first client meeting forward. I recall Jim’s advice in our first meeting. Something along the lines, ‘As a tax planning specialist - rest assured you will pay taxes lad. That said, it’s my job to see you don’t pay a penny before you have to’.
Jim provided unparalleled business/tax accounting advice often sprinkled with a hint of fatherly wisdom. In short, Jim provided great service to his clients. Always a cheerful greeting when you stopped around. His signature style included a parting word of sound business advice as he wrapped up each of our meetings. Whether involving the partnership or respecting personal holdings.
To me it appeared Jim peer-reviewed most everything going through his practice. Accuracy was important. No matter the business - the balance sheet had to add up. Stacks of accounting files often lined the sides of Jim’s desk. So much so, conversation was typically centred down the middle line of the desk. Indicative of the sheer volume of information Jim reviewed on a daily and weekly basis.
Jim explained tax intricacy and related business strategy in succinct and relatable form. Year end reviews were a pleasure with Jim. No surprise, accurate reporting, clear advice, formal engagement letter along with a brief summary of tax owing.
Jim advised me both in business transition and in retirement. On the latter, I recall his parting words, ‘…Strict budget from now on’. Jim was a consummate professional. I will forever-miss Jim’s wise council.
For a period of time our start up company rented office space on the second floor of Jim’s practice. We shared a conference room with Jim’s office as well. The initial short term arrangement eventually stretched over a five year period. Jim charged fair rent for downtown office space. No complicated lease, just flexible monthly terms. Jim valued flexibility, we valued the break.
Jim was ever gracious, helping us maintain low overhead as we grew the business. We worked crazy hours in those days. Typical 12-14 hour weekdays sometimes including, two or three consecutive Saturday’s in any given month. Often as not Jim was in office. He was amongst the first in each morning and the last to leave at night.
As time moved onward, Jim and I became close friends. We broke bread together, enjoyed several Robbie Burns suppers (Jim host), several office Christmas receptions (we hosted), took part in occasional visits to respective lake properties and managed the odd catch-up telephone call here and there. We were both fans of Radio Classics mystery-detective shows. Jim knew each series along with signature lines and character parts. We each shared the same scenic five hour, Rocky Mountain drive, between respective Calgary based homes and BC interior lake properties.
James McCallum, husband, father and good friend. Kind Sir, I will miss and I will fondly remember you. God bless, rest in peace. Cheers for now.
Till we meet again…
Dan Risdon
