James A. Callahan
Retired Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge James A. Callahan died unexpectedly January 13. He was 82.
Callahan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in 1967 and his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law in 1972. He was a trial attorney for 33 years prior to his election to the circuit court in 2004 and re-election in 2010.
A longtime Grosse Pointe City resident, Callahan grew up in Chicago and was a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, which he affectionately referred to as “Iggy’s.” He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1965, spending much of his time on the USS Savage (DE-386).
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Callahan met his future wife, Shirley Malik, at a friend’s wedding in Detroit. He was so enchanted by her that he returned to Detroit, driving through the melee of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion to get to her home on Detroit’s East side.
A voracious reader of history books, Callahan originally planned to become a teacher but later changed paths when he realized he could merge his love for history with a desire to help others by a career in law.
His life was a testament to the Jesuit value “Men for Others,” with a long history of volunteerism and community involvement. He is the past president of the Grosse Pointe Men’s Club, where he participated in many activities including the organization’s choral group. He served as rear commodore of the Grosse Pointe Boat Club, and is active at The Helm in Grosse Pointe, delivering Meals on Wheels. He and his longtime partner Marcia Cron are members of the Detroit Yacht Club where he was active in many of the club’s activities. Callahan was a member of alumni groups for the University of Illinois and Detroit College of Law, as well as several veteran organizations.
Known to spontaneously break into song, Callahan’s considerable range was said to be “loud and louder.” He loved to sing traditional Irish songs, and more than once led passengers on Irish-themed cruises in song.
An avid traveler, Callahan was active in retirement with partner, Marcia Cron. The couple visited many international destinations and had just recently returned from Mexico.
“He was the best thing in my life,” Cron said. “He made my life great, easy and fun. He went all out.”
Callahan was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Shirley, and his brother Michael (Linda). He is survived by his son Michael (Debbie); daughter Katherine; brother John (Kelly); sister Bridget Stalvey (Bo); granddaughter Daphne; loving partner of eight years, Marcia Cron; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass was held at Jan. 23 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Detroit, followed by interment at Mt. Elliott Cemetery where military honors were also bestowed.
Donations in honor of Callahan can be made to the USO.
Callahan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in 1967 and his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law in 1972. He was a trial attorney for 33 years prior to his election to the circuit court in 2004 and re-election in 2010.
A longtime Grosse Pointe City resident, Callahan grew up in Chicago and was a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, which he affectionately referred to as “Iggy’s.” He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1965, spending much of his time on the USS Savage (DE-386).
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Callahan met his future wife, Shirley Malik, at a friend’s wedding in Detroit. He was so enchanted by her that he returned to Detroit, driving through the melee of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion to get to her home on Detroit’s East side.
A voracious reader of history books, Callahan originally planned to become a teacher but later changed paths when he realized he could merge his love for history with a desire to help others by a career in law.
His life was a testament to the Jesuit value “Men for Others,” with a long history of volunteerism and community involvement. He is the past president of the Grosse Pointe Men’s Club, where he participated in many activities including the organization’s choral group. He served as rear commodore of the Grosse Pointe Boat Club, and is active at The Helm in Grosse Pointe, delivering Meals on Wheels. He and his longtime partner Marcia Cron are members of the Detroit Yacht Club where he was active in many of the club’s activities. Callahan was a member of alumni groups for the University of Illinois and Detroit College of Law, as well as several veteran organizations.
Known to spontaneously break into song, Callahan’s considerable range was said to be “loud and louder.” He loved to sing traditional Irish songs, and more than once led passengers on Irish-themed cruises in song.
An avid traveler, Callahan was active in retirement with partner, Marcia Cron. The couple visited many international destinations and had just recently returned from Mexico.
“He was the best thing in my life,” Cron said. “He made my life great, easy and fun. He went all out.”
Callahan was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Shirley, and his brother Michael (Linda). He is survived by his son Michael (Debbie); daughter Katherine; brother John (Kelly); sister Bridget Stalvey (Bo); granddaughter Daphne; loving partner of eight years, Marcia Cron; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass was held at Jan. 23 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Detroit, followed by interment at Mt. Elliott Cemetery where military honors were also bestowed.
Donations in honor of Callahan can be made to the USO.
