James Lee Calman

James Lee Calman passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born March 10, 1944, in Cooperstown, NY. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Jean Calman, father Charles Calman, Mother Ruth Frosch, brother Kenneth Calman, niece Bonnie Benson, brothers-in-law Edward Vernooy and Willard Edick, mother-in-law Hazel Coonrod, and father-in-law Orville Taylor. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 29, at 11 am, at Cross Point Church in Lynden. Jim is survived by his daughters Kimberly (Dan) McMurray, Kristi Fowler, and Jamie (Mark) Krzykowski. Grandchildren Mikayla and Hunter Holt, Cody and Kendra Fowler, Savannah, Sydney, and Serena Krzykowski. Sisters Jeanette Edick and Betty Vernooy. Sisters in law Patti (Larry) Paull, Debbie (Dave) Lund, Susie Taylor, and Cindy (Roger) DeClements. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Jim grew up on a dairy farm in Jordanville, NY. He attended a two-room schoolhouse K-7, then the “big” school 8-12. In his youth, he was a Boy Scout, achieving the honor of Eagle Scout and attending the special ceremony in Colorado. After high school, he washed windows in New York City, attended heavy equipment school in Florida, and then returned to New York. One day, his friend wanted to go to Texas, so they packed their bags and left the next day. They stayed with family and friends along the long road trip. After some time in Texas, the friend wanted to visit his parents in Vancouver, Washington. Jim found an apartment for $85 a month, which included 3 meals a day, and the landlord made his bed. He also got a job at Bemis Bag Co. A co-worker and his girlfriend invited him on a blind date with Jeannie Taylor. Jim & Jean were married on February 13, 1965. He worked construction with Jean’s uncle, where he learned the craft of being a drywaller. They moved to Lynden in December 1966. Jim started Whatcom County Wallboard, where he was given the nickname “Diamond Jim” from the glitter that was added to the ceiling texture. They became charter members of the Lynden Church of the Nazarene (now Cross Point Church). They had 3 daughters, Kimberly Dawn, Kristi Jean, and Jamie Lee. Jim was Chairman of the Building Committee for the church, served on the church board, was Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer, wherever there was a spot to fill in the church, Jim and Jean were there to serve. He was also a member of the Washington Pacific District Advisory Board. He is best remembered for his decades of hosting the annual church campout at Baker Lake with his elaborate, custom-made “cook shack”. The camp menu included blueberry pancakes, baron of beef, seafood fettucine, homemade ice cream, and so much more. His deep love of people and food was evident. Generations of families share in the many memories this event created. In the early 80s, Jim switched careers and created J. Calman Industries, a spray foam insulation installation company. He spent decades in the belly of commercial fishing vessels all around the Pacific Northwest. He owned and operated the business until his retirement in March 2021. Jim was also the inventor of the “plane easy” foam scarfer. There were many versions of his creation; this machine changed the spray foam industry. Upon the death of Carolyn, James was unable to stay in the house. He sold the business and property and moved into the Lynden Manor. He has spent the last four years making new friends and staying connected with his long-time friends and his church. He was not one to sit around. He was constantly on the go to church, doctor appointments, breakfast groups, lunch groups, and out to dinner as often as possible with family and friends. Our Dad loved people! We have been blessed to hear numerous stories about his humor, pranks, love of shared meals, the joy he brought to people with candy deliveries, and the endless ways he helped people throughout the decades of his life. Even in death, he has continued to be generous and helpful to others in need. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cross Point Church in Lynden, where Mom and Dad were charter members since 1966. From our family, we say THANK YOU for the love you have poured out on us and on him, Kimberly, Kristi, and Jamie

James Lee Calman

March 10, 1944 - July 23, 2025