James Lea Calhoun (known as Jimmy or JC by his friends and family) was born March 2, 2005
and passed away on November 11, 2022. He was taken from us much too soon at just 17 years
old and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Jimmy was predeceased by his mother, Michelle Schultz in 2012; by his grandfather, Jim Kaplin
in 2007; and recently by his great-grandmother, Violet Bistany in August 2022.
Jimmy is survived by his grandmother (who he always called Mom), Leah Kaplin. She was his
rock and his stability throughout his life. When Leah was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in
2015, Jimmy was young but was always looking for ways to help her. As he got older, he never
complained about assisting her with the things she could no longer do. Everyone knew how
much he loved her and she will miss him every day.
Jimmy is also survived by his father, Craig Calhoun; his sister, Marley Hudnall; his brother, Aiden
Hudnall; his paternal grandmother, Katie Calhoun; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close
friends who all loved him very much.
Jimmy was born in Tampa and lived his entire life in the same home in Seffner. He attended
Mango Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Armwood High School. Jimmy worked
part time at a few different jobs during the last two years, from fast food restaurants to
construction work. He enjoyed video games, hunting, and spending time with his many friends.
Jimmy played baseball for several years when he was younger. He and his family have many
great memories of his years with the Kings Baseball team and the coaches and players who
were like family to him. So many of his former teammates and coaches have comforted Leah
and each other this week with their motto, “Once a King, always a King”.
We find comfort in knowing that Jimmy had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We
pray that his friends and family find comfort in their memories of him and their friendship with
each other. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Multicultural
Family Church at 1:00 p.m. The church is located at 3805 John Moore Road in Brandon
6 Comments
Momma leah
This is my son and you guys all know how deep this hurts and I love him more than life don’t know what I would do without him just won’t be right I love you guys I loved him thank you for being so good to him Caleb Caleb Trenton Dylan zoie and his coach Tommy when the kings I also want to thank my family for everything they’ve done. I want God to bless each and one of you and be in your hearts I know this is not right this is not what we should be doing a society we need to love each other this heat is going to far I love you
Caitlin Zimmerman
I was Mr. Calhoun’s teacher, and I was wondering if you would send me your address so that I can share some pictures with you. James was very special to us.
Aunt Barbara
There are no words to express how much I loved Jimmy Lea or how much I will miss his loving and giving nature. The words above are completely accurate. He loved his mother/grandmother and did everything he knew to do for her. He drove her to doctor’s appointments, shopped and cooked for her. He cleaned and did as much maintenance around the house that he could. If he did not know how to do something he would seek guidance. Many of his friends and their families helped many times in his quest to care for his grandmother.
He had many mentors in his life and tried to Lisen and learn from each and every one of them. I am extremely proud to be among those who mentored him. My heart is aches and is sad beyond belief, but my memories of Jimmy will always be precious ones. R.I.P. Jimmy Lea
All my love,
Aunt Barbara
Barbara c Anderson
There are no words to express how much I loved Jimmy Lea. I will miss his loving and giving nature. He was so close to starting out in life as a young adult. Every word above in the written obituary was correct. He loved his mother/grandmother with every part of his being. He had no complaints about taking care of her as she became sicker and sicker. Taking her to every doctor appointment, shopping, cooking, cleaning and doing anything she asked of him was his pleasure as he considered it his responsibility and his honor. If Jimmy did not understand how to manage a chore or task, he would ask someone to help him learn. Many times, his friends and their families helped him to take care of his grandmother. Jimmy had a thirst for knowledge. Having many mentors, he listened and learned as much as possible from each and every one of them. I am proud to be one of them. As my heart aches and I am sad that I will never be able to get another one of those wonderful Jimmy hugs that I cherished so very much, I will remember one thing the most, that he loved his family and his friends with all of his heart.
I was blessed to be his Aunt Barbara. R.I.P Jimmy Lea
Aunt Barbara will always love you and the wonderful memories you gave me.
Kirstie
Leah, we love you so. We are thinking of you and praying for you. We loved Jimmy Lea so very much. All our love The Mara Family xxx
Andy Kaplin
Leah, I am very sorry to hear about Jimmy Lea’s untimely passing. He was a smart, kind young man, full of life. I’m thankful to know he accepted Jesus into his life. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I’ve asked my Church group to keep you in their prayers as well. God Bless.