James Allen Calhoun, age 72, peacefully departed this earthly life on December 5, 2025, at his home in Bedford, Ohio, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife of 47 years, Holly Calhoun, and cherished daughter, Shannon Calhoun Polite.

A memorial service celebrating James’s life will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the Grand Chapel of Calhoun Funeral Home, Bedford, Ohio.

Born on July 15, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, James was the seventh child of John Henry Calhoun and Janie Coleman Calhoun. Known from an early age for his curiosity, ingenuity, and sense of humor, these qualities became hallmarks of his character and endeared him to all who knew him.

In 1973, James enlisted in the United States Army, specializing in Air Defense Systems. He completed basic training at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, and proudly served his country abroad in Germany. After returning to the United States, he continued his service in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of E4.

In 1978, James married his high school sweetheart, Holly Phillips. From their loving union came one daughter, Shannon, born in 1980.

James was a passionate collector and lover of music, blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. Trained as an electrical and instrumentation journeyman, and mechanically inclined thanks to his father’s guidance, James was affectionately known as the family “handyman,” capable of fixing almost anything. Still, his professional journey reflected his heart for service which he often referred to a calling. In 1989, James joined Judson Park as Director of Environmental Services and Facilities, where he joyfully dedicated nearly four decades to serving others and leading his teams with purpose and integrity. He retired from Judson on December 1, 2025.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Janie Calhoun; sister Elizabeth Ann Lee (Charles); brothers Eugene Calhoun (Barbara) and John Calhoun; and parents-in-law Charles and Betty Phillips.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Holly Calhoun; daughter Shannon Calhoun Polite (Damion); grandchildren Julian and Audri Polite; siblings Margaret Bettis (Larry), Mildred Wiley-Fuller, Lillian Zachery, and Tyrone Calhoun (Terri); sister-in-law Chrystal La Torre (Fernando); brother-in-law Michael Phillips; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and colleagues.

James’s life was a testament to love, service, and dedication. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.