My Reflections on Jim Callahan

Jim sat up with the other board members for every Village Board meeting. He came across as confident, knowledgeable about what subjects he spoke and sometime defensive when someone tried to prove him wrong. You left the meeting feeling that he was tough but most of the time justified.  He was an attorney and you could see when he would go into that mode of attorney giving his closing statement.

We got to know Jim and Patricia when he first ran with Patti McDonald and Mike Bailey. We were new to Malverne and attended a "Meet the Candidates" at a local restaurant. There were some issues that we wanted to know where he stood on so we talked with both husband and wife. We came away confident that he was the man  for the job. Yes, he was sometimes that hard-edged guy at the monthly board meeting but he had a job to do and he wanted to get the best results for the residents. And along with the mayor and the trustees, he helped make decisions that will benefit the residents.

As the Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management for Nassau County he did much more for Nassau County.

As you go about Malverne you would see Jim and his family around town. If there was a program run by any civic-minded association he would be there. In my roles in Malverne I would get to see Jim at most of these functions and he did not just show up to be in attendance but he was there because he cared about each program and wanted to be a part of them.

I even had the privilege of walking with the Mayor, Jim and other trustees at the annual Memorial Day Parade. It was great to listen to his banter with the other board members and include me in that circle, never once making me feel like I did not belong.

But mostly, when there was a tragedy in Malverne he was one of the first to respond when he was able. He, along with the mayor and other trustees, would be there beside the Police, Fire and Ambulance Corp when needed.

Jim and Patricia would attend the Historical Society Gala. This was where he would really loosen up and along with his friends, neighbors and other residents enjoy the evening. He even put up with my Gay-la wave (inside joke).

When I would get up at each meeting and address the board I would feel my knees knocking and kind of black out feeling that I would not get a comment or date incorrect. (Still do). It was always Jim who would find my mistakes and correct me. He was kind and it became a joke that if anyone stated the wrong date that they must be using my calendar. But he did it out of the love and respect for his position and of course, getting the proper information out to the residents.

In this last election it was said that the mayor, Jim and the board worked too closely together and there was no major debating and this was not good and a change was needed. I have to disagree. Jim as we saw, had a mind of his own and his opinion was truly his and that is what he brought to each meeting. He was the kind of man that had his opinion and knew you had yours, but realized that the final decision was for the better of the residents. This team working together has brought us some of the best years in Malverne’s history.

Jim was a family man first, married to Patricia and father of four children. He was so proud every time his family was with him, whether it was one of his children receiving an award or just glowing when someone admired what a great family he had.

I cannot imagine what the family is going through, but I hope that they can take comfort in knowing that he was put on the Earth to make a difference and for short time he was given, he made a difference. He was a good friend and neighbor. He was also a civic minded resident and advisor to anyone who needed it. I did not agree with everything he did or said, but you know that he believed that his decision was the best for that situation and look at the outcome. The village has lost a good man and we will feel his loss for many years to come.

Now this is just my perspective. Could you imagine how many other people can give a tribute to Jim? I look forward to hearing them and celebrating his life with everyone else. With what he did for Malverne and Nassau County he will never be forgotten.

We will keep Jim, his family, friends and Malverne residents in our thoughts and prayers.