Obituary of James L. McCallen

James L. McCallen, 95, of Brunswick, beloved husband of Helen M. Grady McCallen, passed away on December 8 at St. Peter’s Community Hospice Inn surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Troy, Jim was the son of Lester and Mary Connors McCallen. He attended Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY.

Jim, a US Navy Veteran, was a member of the former Thomas B. Flynn American Legion Post in Watervliet, NY.

He retired from Norton Co. in Watervliet after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

Jim was the beloved husband of Helen Grady McCallen; devoted father of Debra (William) Jeffs, Diane (Timothy) Benson, Michael (Debra) McCallen and James McCallen; brother of the late Mary Farmer, Margaret Schwenk, and Loretta Gallagher; cherished grandfather of Jennifer Jeffs, Erin (Brian Knight) Benson, Brandon (Kiley Schaumleffel) Jeffs, Brian (Brittany) Benson, and Justin (Kristin Cohen) McCallen; beloved great-grandfather of Cecilia “Cece,” Margo, Miles and Malcolm. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jim was a wonderful caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather with a heart of gold. He was a kind and gentle soul who was always available to his family and friends. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and loved watching the games. He also loved history and was an avid reader. Jim enjoyed traveling with his family to his favorite places including Myrtle Beach, Maine, Gavin’s Irish Country Inn in the Catskills, Florida, and multiple bus trips to many areas of the U.S. with his wife and fellow retirees.

Private funeral service with full military honors will be held at The Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a date and time to be determined by the family. The McCallen family would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the caring and compassionate staff of St. Peter’s Community Hospice Inn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 or visit www.givetocommunityhospice.org in memory of James L. McCallen.

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