James (Jim) Callanan passed away on Sunday, April 19th at his home in Davenport, FL surrounded by his family and friends. Jim was born in Kansas City, Kansas and grew up in Newton, Massachusetts and attended Newton public schools. Jim was active in the high school marching band among other activities and worked many years at the Newtonville Star Market while in high school and college. Jim attended Boston College and graduated in 1967 with a business degree, and later from Boston University with a Master's degree in Education. Much of Jim's working career was spent at Keefe Technical Vocational school in Framingham, where he worked for over 30 years as the Media coordinator and night school director. Through his work at Keefe Tech Adult Education, Jim provided many opportunities for people to upgrade their professional computer skills, improve their health with exercise classes, learn new culinary skills, and enrich their lives through the arts. Jim had a deep impact on area communities through his work.

Jim was a Broadway enthusiast. While at Keefe Tech, he offered bus trips to Times Square several times a year, providing those in the community an opportunity to see Broadway musicals in New York City . Jim was instrumental in creating Unicorn Productions at Keefe Tech, a community theater company in which he produced many musical productions, including Grease, Into the Woods, Godspell, and Snoopy the Musical.

Jim was an avid reader and would often pick up the latest book by Stephen King or Tom Clancy, or a new mystery novel. Jim also enjoyed music, photography, camping, beach vacations in Plymouth, MA and Cape Cod, and travel that included trips to Egypt, Australia and the United Kingdom to name a few.

Jim was pre-deceased by his parents, J. Edward and Mabel Callanan, and is survived by his sister Kristine Cornwell, his brother Richard Callanan and his wife Holly, nephews Jason Cornwell and Ryan Callanan, and niece Allie Callanan. Jim is also survived by his dear friend Loo Chin and his long-time friend and caregiver Tom Devine.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 9th at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Newton, MA at 10:30 am, followed by interment in Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, May 8th from 4:00 - 7:00pm at the Burke and Blackington Funeral Home in West Newton, MA.