James Michael Callow, 78, of Tacoma, WA passed away September 21 after a long battle with heart disease.  Michael graduated from West Seattle High School, Central Washington University, and earned a Masters Degree from Old Dominion University.

Michael was a powerhouse of trivia, his teaching career ignited a lifelong love of history and teaching students to challenge authority and think for themselves.  At Maury HS in Norfolk, VA and Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, he encouraged his students to aim for excellence, and taught a solid writing methodology that many appreciated all the more when they succeeded at the university level.  He coached golf and Knowledge Bowl teams and continually pushed and challenged his students to achieve.

From his passion for travel, an interesting business was born with his beloved wife, Sarah, which allowed him to continue "teaching" through experiences and travel abroad.  Michael and Sarah led dozens of trips with groups of friends, neighbors, and family members all over the globe.  Michael was planning the last two unvisited continents when Covid shut down international travel in 2020.  To his ultimate irritation, he was not able to reach Antarctica or East Asia.  Adding insult to injury, 6 National Parks remain on The List.

Most weekends, you could find him on the golf course or watching sports – the Seahawks and Mariners were favorite teams. A friend to many, a teacher to all, whether you signed up for the "class" or not... Michael leaves a long legacy of lives forever changed, minds expanded, and experiences enjoyed.

He is survived by daughter, Catherine and her husband, Thomas Campbell; granddaughters Taryn Cresap (Ryan), Riley, and Emma Campbell; son Ted (Peggy) and granddaughter, Frances Callow; and sister, Patti Martin.  Grandpa Michael received the greatest joy from his four granddaughters and was eager to participate in their sporting events, music performances, and academic and career endeavors.

Celebration of Life will be 10/22 at 2:00 pm at Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church at 2419 72nd St E Tacoma, WA 98404.

Graveside services for Mr. Callow were held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 7, 2022 at New Tacoma Cemetery.