Mr. James Edward Calhoun Jr.

A Celebration Of Life: James E. Calhoun Jr. was born April 5, 1952 to the union of the late James and Carolyn Calhoun in Detroit, Michigan. James was the oldest boy, and the middle child of six siblings. James was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system, In 1968 James attended Northwestern High School, and then transferred to Cooley High School, in Detroit, Michigan. James excelled academically, and became a shining star on Cooley's swimming team. James received many trophies and awards for his outstanding ability in swimming. While attending Cooley High School, James met Linda Neal, and out of their relationship they had two sons, D'Angelo Neal and Durand Neal. After high school in March 1971, James enlisted in the United States Marines Corps, where he quickly moved through the ranks from Private First Class to Lance Corporal. James was a skillful marksman, advancing to a Weapons Team Leader, and Small Arms Specialist. James received many accolades for his skills, after serving two years in the Marine Corps, he was honorably discharged February 1973. Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1973, James was employed with the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan until 1975, test driving new cars off the line, he also had a Commercial Driver's License. James met Johnette Ford in 1973, and they were married in November 1974, out of their union, a daughter was born Tanisha L. Calhoun (Mayfield), born March 7, 1977. Tanisha was the light of her daddy's life. James attended Wayne County Community College from 1977-1980, and received an associate degree in Criminal Justice. In 1983 he attended Wayne State University pursuing a degree in Political Science. In June 1982 James married Annette Blackshire, and to this union five children were born, Carolitta, Shavonne, Deandre, James III, and Ciara Calhoun. James worked in many areas, he was employed at the Post Office as a mail carrier. James was employed with Detroit Public Schools for ten years, as a School Bus Driver, and received many awards for safe driving. James was also a Court Officer for 36th District Court and a Detroit Police Reserve Officer, for the 10th Precinct. He also performed volunteer work at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, as a Correctional Recreational Instructor. James was talented and smart, every job he had he did it willfully, with forethought, care and pride. In 2001, James returned to the Post Office and was employed as a maintenance worker, until his failing health forced him to retire in 2010. James was a friendly and outgoing person, with a generous soul. He would help anyone without hesitation. James was extremely friendly, he never met a stranger. He never met a person in need, that he didn't try to find some way to help them. James was a fantastic friend, and always tried to find the good in people. If you needed him, you could always count on him to be there for you. James loved his family and his friends. When James was a teenager, he enjoyed nothing more than standing on the corner with his friends, Larry Stewart, Chuck Holloway and Wallace Strickland who preceded him in death, singing old Motown songs, thinking they were the Temptations and believing they could really sing. When James walked in a room it lit up, with his charismatic smile and charm. James was a loving and caring father to his children, and a best friend and like a brother to many of his friends. James was a very organized, and meticulous person. He was often obsessed with small details. James believed everything had a place, and if it wasn't in its place, he was unable to focus, until it was addressed. Everything James did was done with great care and thoroughness. Some may have referred to him as a "pack rat," but there was organization within the chaos. On Thursday, February 19, 2015, James made his transition into God's glory to begin his eternal life.

Mr. James Edward Calhoun Jr.

April 5, 1952 - February 19, 2015