James(Jim)B. Callanan, 91, of Tyler, Texas passed away July 29, 2013.
Jim was born July 9, 1922 in Somerville, Massachusetts. He graduated from Acton High School in Massachusetts and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N.Y.
Jim served in the USN Submarine service during WWII on the USS Sailfish and on the USS Batfish. While serving on the Batfish he received the Presidential Unit citation for his participation of the sinking of three enemy submarines in three days.
Jim is survived by his son Jim and wife Wanda Callanan of Wake Forest, NC. Also, survived by his daughter, Mary Callanan McCoy and husband, R. Lynn McCoy of Tomball, Tx: by grandchildren, Meghan Mulky and husband Jesse of Raleigh, NC, "Drew" Callanan and wife Jill of Raleigh, NC, Mary Caitlin Floyd and husband Jared of Augusta, Ga, James Randall McCoy of Austin, Tx, "Molly" McCoy of Houston,Tx and "SAM" McCoy of Tomball,Tx; by great grandchildren Emily Nugent of Raleigh, NC, Caydence and Lorelei Floyd of Augusta, Ga.
He was proceeded in death by spouse, Anna Cecelia Callanan and son John Francis Callanan and parents Thomas James Callanan and Mary Flanagan and grandson Thomas James Callanan.
He was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend to many. Jim retired after 42 years of service at General Electric having worked in multiple locations, including Istanbul, Turkey. He enjoyed recognition, including the cover of Engineering Today for his accomplishments with the initial stacker crane development. He was a past commander of the WWII Submarine Veterans Organization, enjoyed theater, family, and friends. Jim was a lifetime supporter of education. He particularly enjoyed travels throughout the United States and Canada with his dear friend and companion, Barbara Froeschl. He recently participated in the Brookshire Freedom Flight for WWII Heroes.
As a goal oriented individual, Jim accomplished most of the dreams on his "bucket list."
We are certain that he achieved the final item of entering the gates of heaven.
The Reading of the Rosary will be Wednesday at 5:00pm with visitation following at Lloyd James Funeral Home until 7:00 pm.
Funeral Mass will be held Thursday August 1, 2013 at 10:00 am at Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. Inurnment will be take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery
