Jim Ashley Callahan

Jim Ashley Callahan, of Raymond, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Piedmont Newnan on August 25, 2023 due to complications of lung cancer. He was 81. The proud U.S. Navy veteran (1959-63) served during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the aircraft carriers U.S.S. Randolph and the U.S.S. Forrestal. Jim was known for his kindness, Dad Joke humor and by animals as Raymond's Dr. Dolittle. Born May 29, 1942 in Gadsden, Alabama, to his late parents, John and Lamartine Varnadoe Callahan, he grew up in East Point, Ga., where he went to Russell High School. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra Benefield Callahan; two sons, Joseph Callahan (Leslie), Ocala, Fla.; and Michael Callahan (Kimberly), Senoia; five grandchildren: Tyler Callahan, Summerfield, Fla; Brianna Callahan Bennett (Austin Bennett), Belleview, Fla.; Austin Callahan (Caitlyn), Lady Lake, Fla.; Leah Callahan Thom (Grant Thom), Fairbanks, Alaska; and Rachel Callahan, Senoia; and four great-grandchildren: Aubri Bennett, Carson Bennett, Annabelle Bennett and Macie Callahan. He is also survived by two brothers: David Callahan (Connie), of Tyrone; and Robert Thomas Callahan (Chris), Sharpsburg. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Michael Lamar Callahan. He is also survived by three brother-in-laws: Randy Benefield (Elise), Castle Pines, Colorado; Albert Benefield, Hapeville; and Tony Benefield, Hapeville. He is also survived by best friends David and Peggy Lambert, of Fayetteville, and many, many other close friends. Jim attended Raymond Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, for many years since the family moved to Raymond in late 1976. The family wants the community to know that Jim was always checking on others, visiting people who were sick in the hospital or at home, and offering his help, without expecting anything in return. His back yard was an animal sanctuary. He had bird feeders and a fish pond that were visited by squirrels, birds, humming birds and occasional deer, opossum and armadillo. Jim was known for his Dad jokes. In recent years, when asked how he was doing, he would say: "If I had a tail, I would be wagging it." The funeral service celebrating Jim's life is Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Newnan. The family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at McKoon Funeral Home. The family asks that visitors please check on the McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory website, or call the funeral home at (770) 253-4580, later in the week to verify times and dates of service, which are subject to change. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the name of Jim Callahan to the National Humane Society. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Jim Ashley Callahan

May 29, 1942 - August 25, 2023