Rev. James Edgar Calhoun Sr.'s Obituary
Rev. James Edgar Calhoun Sr., was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and minister. He transitioned from this life to his heavenly home on July 30, 2023, at the age of 76, after being diagnosed 5 years prior with chronic Interstitial Lung Disease. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives according to God's purpose and plan. Rev. Calhoun was born on October 27, 1946, at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, Texas, to his parents, the late Thomas Julius Calhoun Sr and Mae Dell Calhoun, making 4 year old Thomas Jr. a big brother. The Calhoun family continued to expand, including a younger brother and 4 additional adopted siblings.
Rev. Calhoun attended J.C. Sanderson Elementary and Kashmere Jr. and Sr. High schools—proudly graduating with the class of 1965. During his high school years, he excelled academically, participated in math club, and played basketball. Following high school, Rev. Calhoun continued higher education studies at Prairie View A & M University and Texas Southern University majoring in architecture.
He married the late Linda Simms Calhoun on November 25, 1966, and their union matured and brought forth a bouncing baby boy—James Jr. and “Babycakes”—Veronica. Rev. Calhoun worked nonstop and loved being outdoors and working alongside people. His early career was with Hughes Tools until moving to Boston, Massachusetts with his family. Upon returning to Houston, a few years later, he worked as a Metro City bus driver, Yellow Cab driver, Golden State Insurance Company salesman, Semi-truck driver, and later secured a position with Southern Pacific Railroad where he diligently served until retirement.
Rev. Calhoun was known for his very serious, no-nonsense side to his personality, but also adored laughter, family cookouts and big gatherings. He loved feeding everybody, only wanting his wife, Linda, to do the cooking. If you knew “Big James,” you knew he was licensed to carry and always had the “piece” that keeps all foolishness at bay. If you knew the Reverend, you also knew that he never left home without his “peace”— God’s Holy Word.
His journey with the Lord began at age 8 when he was baptized at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Aaron A. McCardell. Later his dad, Rev Thomas J. Calhoun Sr., was called to pastor—Gospel Hill Baptist Church in Trinity Gardens (Houston). After the passing of Pastor Calhoun, the family continued to serve under the leadership of Pastor Robert M. Hobley. Rev. James Calhoun would later acknowledge his calling, preaching his first sermon under the leadership of Pastor Floyd W. Young. He attended the College of Biblical Studies and also enjoyed attending the Prayer Bowl at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on the 1st of January each year.
Rev. Calhoun loved Pastor C.L. Jackson’s teaching ministry and began attending Sunday school teachers’ meetings every week. He took note after note during every class and would use family and friends alike as his pupils when we would visit him at home. He’d walk to Amanda Dixon Library and teach the Sunday school lesson to anyone who would listen. He would sit on the swing in the backyard and talk through his sermons and then return inside to study more. After over 4 decades, Rev. Calhoun, accompanied by his wife, became members of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He adored his church family, his pastor, Dr. Sheldon L. Jackson, and his beloved Sunday School class. He faithfully attended with his late wife, Linda Simms Calhoun, until health challenges interrupted their attendance.
Rev. Calhoun leaves to cherish his memory his children-James Jr (Trameshia) and Veronica (Roy), 8 grandchildren--Chad, Julian, Tre'mone (Katherine), Jalind, Tivyronne (Hailey), Jayla, Tobias, Tori, 4 beloved godchildren--Fayetta, Nicholette (Andy), Vashon, Madison, 4 siblings—John (Rhonda), JoAnn, Barbara, Judy, 1 God-brother—Kenneth (Dianne) and a host of family and dear friends.
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