James William Callahan, 82, '46, '54G, of Amherst,
a retired associate professor in Food and Resource Economics,
died March 5 at home.
He served the University for 32 years before retiring
in 1978. From 1967 to 1976, he served as assistant department
head, and in 1970-71 he was acting head.
A graduate of Hopkins Academy, he held a bachelor's
degree from Massachusetts State College and a master's degree
from the University.
A veteran of the Army Air Corp, where he served
from 1942 to 1945, he worked as a squadron radio operator in the
European Theater. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and earned
four air medals and five battle stars.
Upon returning from the war, he farmed for a year
then began working as a technical assistant in Agricultural Economics.
He taught Stockbridge School of Agriculture courses
in economics, accounting and business management. He advised the
school's yearbook staff from 1958 to 1960 and saw the 1960 yearbook
dedicated to him.
He was a member of the University's Agricultural
Land Purchase Committee from 1958 to 1961 and served on the editorial
board of the Journal of the Northeastern Agricultural Economics
Council.
A specialist in tobacco farming, he published 10
articles, wrote for 11 bulletins and produced many other pieces.
He was a communicant of St. Brigid's Church.
He leaves his wife, Isabelle "Billie"
Callahan, a retired clerk IV in the Copy Center; a son, Patrick
J., associate editor in the News Office; three daughters, Sharon
Callahan-King of Amherst, Kathleen L. of South Deerfield and Mary
Thompson-Leary of Florence; a sister, Rita F. Streeter of Dalton;
a brother, Frederick D. of South Deerfield; grandchildren and
other family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National
World War II Memorial, American Battle Monuments Commission, P.O.
Box 96766, Washington, D.C. 20090-6766.
