Obituary of James M Callahan

James M. Callahan, 65, passed away October 11, 2024. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph G. and Lydia E. (Fagnano) Callahan. He is survived by his sisters Margaret Mastison and Phyllis Callahan (James Janik) and brothers, Thomas Callahan, and Joseph Callahan. He is also survived by his nieces, Kristen Safier (Daniel Hoying), Jessica Mastison, Kaitlin Callahan, and Kathleen Janik (Lawrence Murphy) as well as his great nieces and nephews, Gabriel Safier, Brian Garcia, Henry and Gretchen Hoying, and Eleanor and Desmond Murphy.

Jim grew up in Ridgefield Park, NJ, graduated from Ridgefield Park High School and later earned a BA in History from William Paterson University with certification in K-5 teaching. Jim worked in child resource management and as an early childhood teacher; he devoted himself to providing healthy and safe learning environments for children. He had an active faith life as a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish where he taught CCD and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C). While at St. John's Council, Jim served 4 terms as an Officer, was recognized as Knight of the Month numerous times, and earned distinction as Knight of the Year twice. This recognition was well deserved as Jim led many events at the Council to raise money for those in need such as Veterans locally and across NJ, those with special needs, as well as to the Mercy House and those requiring pregnancy resources. Additionally, Jim raised money for refugees in Poland fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, earning Jim the gratitude of the State Deputy of Poland. Jim also served as a spiritual beacon for St. John's Council leading various prayer chains and arranging their annual Healing Mass, as well as being a driving force behind the Paramus Veterans Home Mass. Many came to know Jim best as a voice on the phone, as Jim started the K of C’s outreach to the sick and homebound K of C brothers and their widows, calling them regularly to be a friendly voice checking in on them. In recent weeks Jim was still arranging fundraisers from his hospital bed. The Knights of Columbus lost a true Knight.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist RC Church, 29 N Washington Ave, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 at noon on Saturday, October 19. To honor Jim’s memory, his family asks you to please consider donating to St. John’s Council #1345 Relief Fund by mailing a check to 61 Armour Pl., Dumont, NJ 07628 or online at:   https://kofc1345.square.site/