Obituary of James McCallum

October 1, 1951 – Falkirk, Scotland

April 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of James (Jim) McCallum on Monday, April 17, 2023. 

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife Katrina and their children Paige, Charles and Scott of Calgary, and his daughter Wendy and granddaughter Eden of Toronto, ON. Not to mention many family and friends in Canada and Scotland.

Jim was born in Falkirk Scotland on October 1, 1951, and spent his early years with his father Charles, mother Jean, sisters Mary and Betty and older brother Charles.  Jim worked hard to get himself through school and earn his standing as a Chartered Accountant. He left Scotland at 22 to work with Price Waterhouse in Jamaica for four years then transferred with PW to Calgary where he remained. Jim started his own accounting practice on July 2, 1987.  Jim enjoyed his practice and made lasting relationships with many of his clients and staff.  He retired officially, kind of, in 2019.

Jim was not a religious man, but he firmly believed “There but for the grace of God go I” so please no flowers and donate when and where you choose but honour Jim by lending a helping hand to someone in need.  Buy a homeless person a meal and look them in the eye and wish them a good day, visit an elderly person who is lonely and could use a visitor. Share a kindness with a neighbour, friend or stranger.  A wave of kindness in Jim’s honour would make him very happy and proud.

We would like to thank all of our friends and family for their support, the morning phone calls, the Friday night chats, the meals, the moving muscles, the shoulders to cry on and the safe space to vent.  A special thank you to Katrina’s Mom, Janeen, for stepping in during his final days to handle life’s details, our home and to support the family.  Also, much appreciation the staff of Agape Hospice, your kindness and patience as Jim ended this journey was amazing. At the beginning the Doctor told Jim that the average person lived 3-9 months with this disease, he looked that oncologist directly in the eye and said “I am not average”. Thanks to the assistance of the Home Care nurses coming into our home to care for Jim for 19 months, he proved that statement to be true.

Jim was adamant that he did not want a funeral service, no speeches, no pews, no suits or black dresses. So in lieu of such an event we will be hosting a Celebration of his Life, Happy Hour at the Delta Calgary South (135 Southland Dr. SE) on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. in the Kananaskis room in the Atrium. Join us in your casual “going to lunch with Jim” attire where we can share our great memories of this amazing man. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of James McCallum, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.