James Richard McCalman's Obituary
James McCalman, a veteran and longtime resident of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away, on May 27th, 2022. Jim, as he was known to many in the area, was born January 05, 1928, to James (Mac) and Marjorie McCalman and attended and graduated from Stillwell, Oklahoma high school before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. As a Sergeant, for the Air Force, Jim served in Japan, and he had many amazing stories of his time there. Jim was awarded a World War II occupation medal for his service.
After the war, Jim returned home and enrolled in college at Northeastern State College and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Jim joined his father in the family home building business. Together, they built a business providing custom-built homes for the residents of Sallisaw. Jim joined his father and brother and they built Pine Cove Marina at Lake Tenkiller. They sold the marina in the late 70s and focused on their home-building business. Jim received his commercial pilot’s certificate and owned several aircraft during his lifetime. Jim was very much involved in the Sallisaw airport over the years.
After retirement, Jim and his wife Wilma enjoyed traveling the world. They both enjoyed scuba driving on their trips to the Hawaii and Caribbean islands. They traveled to many airplane shows though out the US and Jim enjoyed flying the old planes.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, and his parents and brother (Bob).
Jim is survived by his stepdaughter Becky (LeRoy) Alley and stepson J.C. (Deb) McAlister, as well as his nephews Kerry (Kerri) McCalman and Kevin (Kathy) McCalman.
A service honoring the life of James McCalman will be held at Ft Gibson National Cemetery on June 16, 2022, at 2:30 pm.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
