James P. “Kites” Callahan. The angels came on November 24, 2018 to take Kites home. He’s with his parents, Ray and Flo and fishing friend, Jerry Lahey, enjoying the rewards of heaven.

Friends and relatives of Jim may call from 10 to 1 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Bill Shea Presiding. Burial will follow at Highview Cemetery.

Jim was born on the northwest corner of the bed in Dubuque, Iowa to Ray and Florence (Rauen) Callahan on May 10, 1955. He graduated from Western Dubuque High School and Calmar. On June 6, 1994 he was united in marriage to Judy (Baty) King in Dubuque, Iowa. Jim was the head of Maintenance for Divine Word College until he retired. His plumbing, electrical, heating, and carpentry skills transformed many projects on paper to reality. Jim enjoyed playing baseball, which was evident in his fast throws and strong bat. When he wasn’t playing baseball, Jim was fishing and playing with his backhoe down at the farm or at the shop making oak furniture.

Jim was a trooper, dealing with Type 1 diabetes since he was 17 years old. He never let it prevent him from doing things and being with the people he loved and respected. “Jimmy Boy” a name given to him by his grandkids, was present at home, at the hospital and helped him through many difficult times. Laughter was a powerful medicine for Jim and his humor helped him endure the bad times.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Judy of Epworth, his children, Karen (Mike) Schieltz of New Vienna, Matt (Melissa) King of Bernard, Jackie (Robby) Gutierrez of Woodbury, MN, Jon (Jennifer) King of Bernard, Melissa Callahan of Bloomington, MN, and Mick Callahan of Chicago, IL. His grandchildren, Austin, Lilly, and Ryan Schieltz, Chase and Gavin King, Alicia, Lydia, and Luca Gutierrez, William and Jillian King and Jim’s great granddaughter, Quinn Schieltz, the gift from God that kept him going on a daily basis. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary (Dick) Bries of Farley, IA, Terry (Dianne) Callahan of Epworth, IA, Julie (Bo) Northup of Packwood, IA and a special uncle, Bill Rauen of Dubuque, IA.

Remember Jim’s memory by being positive in your everyday life. Enjoy today for what it is, not what we want it to be, most things in life are just an inconvenience. Just don’t quit!

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s memory. Donations can be made to Epworth Fire Department, Epworth American Legion and Divine Word.

Special thanks to Emma, the Epworth Fire Department, Finley Home Care, all the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital and Medical Associates, Dr. Whalen and all of Jim’s family and friends that helped make Jim’s journey a happy and pleasant one. God Bless you all.

Online condolences may be sent to www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com