Obituary for James Calway
James R. Calway was born May 19, 1944 in Peoria, Ill. He lost his battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) on May 5, 2020. James was the son of James N. Calway, an army officer, and Dorothy J. Shelley. As an “army brat” his family lived all over the country and overseas. On June 8, 1962 he graduated from Marin Catholic High School and enlisted in the 506th Infantry Battle Group, 101st Airborne Division. James began his Army career as a Private and retired from the army in 1985 as a Major. He then began his career as an intelligence research analyst for the “Threats Directorate” at Fort Leavenworth Kansas. During his tour there he was promoted to Director of the Threat Training Integration Directorate, TRADOC DCSINT. He retired from there in 2005.
During his army career he served with the Army Training Command, the 173rd Airborne, the 60th Infantry, 172nd Light Infantry Brigade, the 82nd Airborne, the Army Recruiting Command, and the U. N. Truce Supervision Organization (Palestine). His assignments took him to Alaska, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Okinawa and Vietnam. James was an honor graduate from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and an honor graduate from Kansas University (graduate degree).
James is survived by his wife, Joan Aaron, of 36 years; three sisters, Norma, Terry and Maureen; three daughters, Cassie, Christy and Carmel; and two sons, James “Ryan” (Pang) and John (Elise). He also leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren and beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers David and Samuel.
James was very fond of the Leavenworth community and its people. He assisted in the movement and restoration of the Lansing Historical Train Station, served as a volunteer for the Kickapoo Township Fire Department and as an assistant coach for Lansing Youth Football. He loved college football and fishing (especially in Minnesota).
A graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Sacred Heart of Kickapoo Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent’s Clinic or Sacred Heart of Kickapoo Cemetery Maintenance Fund and can be directed to R.L. Leintz Funeral (4701 10th Ave. Leavenworth, KS, 66048).
During his army career he served with the Army Training Command, the 173rd Airborne, the 60th Infantry, 172nd Light Infantry Brigade, the 82nd Airborne, the Army Recruiting Command, and the U. N. Truce Supervision Organization (Palestine). His assignments took him to Alaska, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Okinawa and Vietnam. James was an honor graduate from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and an honor graduate from Kansas University (graduate degree).
James is survived by his wife, Joan Aaron, of 36 years; three sisters, Norma, Terry and Maureen; three daughters, Cassie, Christy and Carmel; and two sons, James “Ryan” (Pang) and John (Elise). He also leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren and beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers David and Samuel.
James was very fond of the Leavenworth community and its people. He assisted in the movement and restoration of the Lansing Historical Train Station, served as a volunteer for the Kickapoo Township Fire Department and as an assistant coach for Lansing Youth Football. He loved college football and fishing (especially in Minnesota).
A graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Sacred Heart of Kickapoo Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent’s Clinic or Sacred Heart of Kickapoo Cemetery Maintenance Fund and can be directed to R.L. Leintz Funeral (4701 10th Ave. Leavenworth, KS, 66048).