James "Jim" P. Callaway

James Patrick Callaway, 78, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026 at his residence in North Liberty.

Jim was born on December 2, 1947 in South Bend, to the late Victor and Barbara (Fites) Callaway. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bud LaFree.

On June 12, 1998, Jim married his loving wife, Barbara (LaFree) Callaway, who survives along with his children, Robin (Michael) Dianics, Olivia (Mike) Wojtas, Jamie (Kari) Burger, Casey (Sara) Burger, Tygre (Steve) Whittington, Jade (Chris) Chwasz, and Tammy Allen; grandchildren, Xander, Vandon, Danielle, Hunter, Griffin, Thaddeus, Carter, Morgan, Macy, Oaklynn, Cash, Adah, Stark, and Isla; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry (Anne) Callaway; mother-in-law, Betty LaFree; brother-in-law, Gary (Vicki) LaFree; and his beloved Airedale, Tucker; as well as a host of other family members and a group of his very close friends.

Jim honorably served in the United States Navy. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and the people with whom he shared them. A true firecracker with a larger-than-life personality and an unforgettable sense of humor, he had a way of making people laugh and brightening every gathering. A devoted fan of Notre Dame football and lacrosse, he rarely missed the opportunity to cheer on the Fighting Irish. He enjoyed gardening, camping with friends, and traveling, especially cruising to destinations such as St. Thomas. Jim never passed up the chance for a good latte, a free meal, or Red Lobster's unlimited shrimp. He was a lifetime member of the Bowlers Country Club, a proud Mason, and a member of VFW Post 9820. He also treasured the friendships he made through his camping groups, the Gypsy Rovers and the Roaming Gnomes. Above all, Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, adventurous spirit, and the countless memories he created with family and friends.

Jim would like to encourage everyone to continue to pay into his Social Security, and remember “you don’t got to go to work you get to go to work.”

Memorial Visitation for Jim will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026 with a Memorial Service to begin at 12:00 pm all at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN 46619.

Donations in honor of James Patrick Callaway may be made out for Cancer Research to Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, 7 Hospital Dr, Dean Suite, MA 105, Columbia, MO 65212.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.