James Lowell McCalla

A Service will be held on May 9, 2026; 10:00am a First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, 216 4th St. Sutherland Springs TX, 78161.

Born on August 6, 1940, in Ridgeway Ohio Jim's life was a testament of love for his family and Bluegrass music. He is survived by his children, Charlene Rader and her husband John, his sons, Daniel and Arlo McCalla; grandchildren, James McCalla and wife Ashley and Taylor McCalla; sisters, Janice Long of Mt. Victory, Ohio, Virginia Artis of Bellefontaine, Linda Keller of Bellefontaine, Beverly Jenkins, Mary Alice and Junior Tevis of West Mansfield. Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hughes Allen McCalla and Bessie Marie Godwin and his brothers, John, Joe and David, his beloved wife, Joanne Paulette McCalla and his daughter, Traci McCalla.

Jim spent over 20 years in the Navy at the rank of E7. He was among many who participated in the 1962 Cuban Blockade. He also served in the Korean conflict 1950-53. His talents as a musician found him apart of a Navy band as well as playing with the Gary Steel band and the Mario Moreno band. He retired from Waste Management and continued playing his fiddle and bass guitar every Wednesday with his friends in a Bluegrass Jam session.

He will be greatly missed by many but not as much as his wonderful daughter, Charlene, who loved her father dearly and spent the last days of his life caring for him making his final time as comfortable as she possibly could.

Rest in the loving arms of our precious Lord Jesus Christ.