James Lee Calhoun

James (Jim) Lee Calhoun, 88, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home. He was born February 19, 1938 in Star City, Arkansas to Argie Lee Roberts and James Robert Calhoun. He married Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Bernard in 1979 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Raised in Arkansas, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF) at the age of 17, retiring after 22 years of service at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Jim was part of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and traveled the world as part of his duties. In 1968, he was one of the first on the ground as part of the cleanup operation after a B-52 bomber carrying four thermonuclear bombs crashed onto a sea of ice near Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland. After the USAF, Jim ran a very successful salvage business, retiring at 70.

In 2005, Jim and Kathy moved to Boulder City to be closer to family. Jim loved the sense of community and became an active member of the Rotary Club of Boulder City. He believed in Rotary’s mission of service above self and enjoyed supporting its many charitable projects while building lasting friendships. Jim had a generous heart and always looked for ways to make the world a better place.

Jim and Kathy enjoyed traveling the world together, with memorable trips to Scotland to trace his ancestry. He loved the desert Southwest, frequently venturing out on off-road excursions to experience its beauty. He could often be found outside walking with his hiking stick, something that became part of his everyday routine. Jim was known for his storytelling and sense of humor, and friends and family will always remember the stunning sunrise and sunset photos he captured from his patio overlooking Lake Mead. A generous, loving, and caring man, Jim will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy Calhoun; his sons, Sean Calhoun and Cliff Calhoun; his former daughter-in-law, Meagan Hodson; his grandchildren, Jimmy Calhoun, Judy Calhoun, Shanna Clifford (Trysten), and Ryan Calhoun; his great-grandchildren, Hayden Calhoun, Tannon Wilders, Taylynn Wilders, and Tayson Wilders; his sister, Carolyn Lewis; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret Calhoun-Smith; his brother, Myron “Bud” Calhoun; and the mother of his children, Mary Gaule Sands.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 11:20 a.m. at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City, Nevada. We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the EOD Warrior Foundation.