James "Jimmy" Robert Callen

James Robert “Jimmy” Callen, age 87, of Enterprise, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Brian Simoneaux officiating. Burial will follow on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Myrtlewood Cemetery in Fort Deposit, Alabama, with Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory directing. The family welcomes your presence at visitation from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.

Jim was born in Fort Deposit, Alabama, to the late Lucine and Kathleen Callen. Before he graduated high school he wrote a paper describing his plan for life, in it he said he would have a girl and two boys, live in a white house, and fly. He made it happen! He proudly served his country, first in the United States Air Force, where his time stationed in Montana led him to meet the love of his life, Karen M. Bruce. His promise to her to return home for visits sparked a lifetime of travel and adventure that would become the heartbeat of their family.

Following his Air Force service, Jim continued his military career in the United States Army, determined to be a pilot, serving over 27 years, including two tours in Europe and two in Vietnam. After his retirement he continued serving from an additional 20 years at Ft. Rucker with contractors and in the Safety Center. His life reflected deep devotion to his country, his faith, and especially his family. He instilled in his children a love for adventure, camping, fishing, and exploring the world together. He also enjoyed gardening and always had pets by his side, most recently his faithful dog Daisy.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Callen and sister-in-law Marianne Callen; his sister, Mary Will McAndrews; and a niece and two nephews.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Karen M. Callen; his daughter, Jamie Callen Sells (Marty); his sons, James R. Callen Jr. and Jeffrey A. Callen (Christy); grandchildren, Megan Fehlinger, Jessica Watson (Chad), Jared Callen, Jacob Callen, and Olivia Callen; great-granddaughter, Ruby Watson; and his cherished dog, Daisy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wiregrass Christian Youth Camp at P.O. Box 311072 Enterprise, AL 36331 in Jim’s memory a cause close to his heart and his love for shaping future generations.

Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Enterprise, (334) 347-9598, is in charge of arrangements. To sign a guest register, please visit www.sorrellsfuneralhomeenterprise.com.