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Jim Calhoun, Member of 1956 State Champs 

Jim Calhoun gives the victory sign after Carr Creek defeated Wayland 68-67 in the 1956 State Basketball tournament.  Also pictured: Freddie Maggard and E.A. Couch (right).

Jim Calhoun, 62, a former high school and college basketball star, died on February 20th in Lexington.  Calhoun played basketball for Morton Combs on the Carr Creek team that won the state tournament in 1956.  Jim guarded "King" Kelly Coleman in the state tournament semi-finals and held him to 28 points, his all time low.  He later played with Oscar Robertson at the University of Cincinnati.  Calhoun was also a member of the University of Cincinnati's two national basketball championship teams in 1961 and 1962.  "God was with me.  He really helped me to be a good player, a good leader and be a part of some wonderful young men and two wonderful coaches," Calhoun told the Big Dipper during a 1996 interview on WSGS.  Calhoun suffered a massive heart attack at his home in Lexington.

Calhoun was born in Hazard, KY and was the son of Delora Wilson Calhoun Large of Jackson, Ky., and the late Harold Calhoun.  He is also survived by his stepfather, Lake Large, a son and daughter - Christopher Harold Calhoun and Jill Ann Calhoun, sisters - Jane Calhoun Couch and, Letitia Sue Calhoun Dyke.  

"I have been a friend of Jim's sister Sue for many years. I want to express my sympathy to every to everyone in the family here in Ohio and in Kentucky as well.  My memory of Jim concerns a snowy night a few years when Sue, Jim, my husband and I went to a rock and roll oldies concert in Cleveland.  We had a ball and Jim got us home in one piece on the snowy roads.  I know everyone is going to miss Jim so much...but remember the good times...Jim was a special guy."  Judy Smith Sandusky, Ohio JudiS433@aol.com

"EA and Jane Calhoun Couch would like to thank those for visiting this web site and for the comments from family and friends."  EA Couch and Jane Calhoun Couch, Paintsville, KY

"Jim Calhoun said you can always get a hold of someone at 3 am in the morning. He was a very unique man in every way and he made a lasting impression on anyone he spoke with on the phone, in writing or met in person.   He was a gifted communicator with a tremendous sense of humor. Even though he left us way too soon,  he lived 6 lifetimes and left earth with a treasure chest of incredible experiences that we either experienced directly with him or through his great story telling capabilities. His love of state, eastern Ky, Carr Creek history, basketball and family is unmatched. While he always added positive energy to any room he entered, perhaps his greatest gift to family and friends was each time you saw him he quickly made you feel very special in his first sentence to you, which was soon followed by a hug. I will miss his great advise, wisdom, heart and mentorship that has shaped many parts of my life.  Even for the simple daily things like how to tie a business tie, the way to tuck in my shirt and shaving, I will daily remember his guidelines and tips.  He was just starting to learn how to use the Internet and he would be so pleased about WSGS offering this kind of service on their web site so we could all share in a lasting way to remember those that tried to do good and did do good for Kentucky.  It is strange now to say that I will miss those 3 am phone calls but he has influenced my life and others so much there will be many things that happen each year that will cause us to remember him and smile."  David Calhoun Couch, Versailles, KY   kentuckydave22@hotmail.com

"Though Jim is best known for his athletic skill, his love for his family, his state, and the history and music of its people were great drivers in his life.  A direct descendent of Dillion Asher, Jim's Kentucky roots date back to the Revolutionary War.  Many are the times he told the old stories and sang the old songs.  His smile would light up the darkness and laughter push away the gloom.  A star has gone out, but Jims light will live on in the hearts of us who knew and loved him to the end of our days."  Greg Howard, Dayton, Ohio  gregory_howard@reyrey.com

"Jim was always a hero to me.  I grew up hearing about all his accomplishments and stories.  I will also remember him as a very generous and caring person.  He gave me my first dog. I only wish I could have been around him more. It was so good to see the rest of the family at his funeral. May god bless you all. Love Alan Howard & Family." Alan Howard Cincinnati, OH  halan8@aol.com

"I remember well the l956 Carr Creek team and how proud all basketball fans from eastern Kentucky were. I grew up one mile from where Jim's mom and step-father live, Rousseau, Ky in Breathitt Co. Jim's relatives on the Calhoun side all were from that area. I only talked with Jim a couple of times but always had the utmost respect for him as a sports figure and most of all as an outstanding man."  S.J. Sallee, Salt Lick, KY  sesallee@adelphia.net

"Jim was always a special person to just about everyone he met, because he treated everyone he met special. I don't think Jim ever made anyone feel like a stranger. Jim cared deeply about his family and showed it anytime we were together. Life will be a sadder place experienced without Jim, but I'll always smile when I think of the things we did and the memories we shared. In life Jim brought smiles to everyone who knew him. His family in Ohio will miss Jim greatly. Our sympathy goes to Jim's Children, Aunt Delora, Uncle Lake, Carolyn, Sue and the rest of Jim's immediate family.  Jim's Dayton family, Aunt Delia, Aunt Fern, Uncle Herb, and Cousins: Earlene, James Earl, Greg, Alan, Angie, Don, Wanda, Debora, Nancy and Steve."  Jim Conley, Dayton, Ohio  TOOLMAKE@MSN.COM

"Jim Calhoun was my Uncle I will miss him very much. I had so much fun growing up with him in my childhood. He was such a good man. I felt so loved by him."  Tammy Printy, Chicago,IL  omegahct@aol.com

"He was my BIG brother. He was there for me in everyway. Although he told me I didn't know very much about the 1956 Carr Creek Championship. I was to young. I will miss more then I could ever explain." Sue Calhoun Dyke, Sandusky, Ohio omegahct@aol.com

"My heart goes out to the whole family of Jim Calhoun.  He will be dearly missed.  I knew Jim through his wonderful and loving family who spoke of him often.  He was highly respected by his peers and his community.  Although I never met Jim Calhoun, thanks to his sisters, Sue and Carolyn, I lost a brother too."  Kathryn Noblin, Sandusky, Ohio  MKN12@AOL.COM

"To Mrs. Calhoun and Caroline and all of the family, my sincerest condolences at this horrific time.  I picked up the phone this afternoon and called Sue at Robin's, where she was babysitting for Robin and Mike, and when she heard my voice she sobbed.  I am so sorry for your loss and you all will be remembered in my prayers.  I was Sue and Bob's backdoor neighbor for a good many years and met Jim several times."  Love, Patty Pat Greulich, Sandusky, Ohio Goldie1123@aol.com

"My deepest sympathy, sorrow, comfort, love and hope for Chris, Jill, Delora, Lake, Carolyn, E.A., Sue, Bob, David, Joey, Tammy, Robyn, and all of your families.  I had the pleasure of meeting 'uncle Jim' before he passed.  Jim was a Kind, fun, intelligent, loving man.  Jim you are FREE now....MAY GOD BLESS YOU." with love...HOSS Scot Igra (Hoss), Chicago, IL  rebos93@aol.com

"My sister and I also went to school with Jim.  My sister, Geraldine (Mullins) Merritt, was a cheerleader when they won the state tournament in 1956.  My husband, Pearson Dobson, grew up with Jim and also went to school with him.  He was a good person and was well liked by everyone.  He will be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."  Shirley (Mullins) Dobson, Georgetown, Florida  dobsons59@cs.com

"I remember Calhoun when he played for Carr Creek High School.  I lived next door to Marcus Combs, also a  player for the '56 team.  I also know William Fannin, who is the coach of the Hazard basketball team, who helped win  the LIT championship for Carr Creek in 1963.  If  anyone knows the 1963 players, please let me know.  You can e-mail me."  Charles Tidwell, Brinkley, KY  auburn@tgtel.com

"I was next door neighbors with Jim and his family at Anco, Kentucky.  I felt like they were family and he was my son.  He played basketball with my two boys, Bobby and Donald Ray Johnson, when they were small boys.  He ate with us often, especially if I fixed chili.  His mother and I were real close friends. We watched a religious program together every morning and I loved them dearly.  May God bless him and his family.  He will be missed by all of us.  My deepest sympathy is with his family.  Love you all."  Goldia Johnson and family  kathyjohnson2001@aol.com

"I remember Jim very well.  I played basketball at Wayland.  He, (Jim) was a well mannered player and represented his school well.  May God bless his family during this time."  Paul Slone, Shawnee, Oklahoma  pslone@charter.net

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