James Callahan : Short Biography

Jimmy Callahan was born in Darien, CT on 3  May 1906.  His father, John Callahan was an Irish immigrant who worked as a Railroad labourer.  His mother, Bridget Grady Callahan was John’s second wife.  This couple had married after the death of John’s first wife during childbirth.  Jimmy had 4 older half-siblings and 3 older siblings.  He was the youngest of the second family with older siblings, Nora, Jeremiah and Delia.  Jimmy resided in Darien his entire life and lived at Chestnut Street with his father John for many years.

Jimmy’s nickname was “Red” which was due to his red hair which was noted on his World War II Draft Registration card.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and married shortly after the war was over.  His first wife, Bessie predeceased him and in 1976, Jimmy married Ida Crowther.

Jimmy was one of the charter members of the Darien Old Timer’s Athletic Association and he continued to play an active part in the group until his death.  He was a noted baseball player and he participated in local baseball leagues for many years in the locality–his position was outfielder and he was honoured at the Darien Old Timer’s Association in January 1967 for his baseball exploits over the years.
Jimmy died aged 76 on 27 May 1982 in Darien, his hometown.  He is buried in St. John’s Cemetery, Darien.