Celebrating the Life of

James Michael Kallas

Photos & Memories

Obituary

James Michael KallasJanuary 28, 1947-July 29, 2026

James Michael Kallas of Ben Lomond, California was a world traveller, gourmet cook, ardent golfer, home remodeler, theater director/producer, beloved friend and family man, but most of all, Jim was a storyteller. At San Lorenzo Valley and Monta Vista High schools, he inspired his drama, video, and literature students with his stories about their futures; their value to friends, family and community; their origins and growth. He amused while he educated. He lived to tell or hear, read or write a good story.

He is survived by long-time partner Sally Lemee; her daughter, Tiffany Ventresca; grandchildren, Bailey and Brody; his sister, Diane Kallas; brother-in-law, Bruce Koller; nephew, Ian Koller; niece, Bailey Kallas; former wife, Nina Perez Kallas; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jane Kallas.

Please come hear and tell stories to celebrate Jim’s life on November 15, at 4:30pm, at the Felton Community Hall, 6191 CA-9, Felton, California. RSVPs to dkallas656@gmail.com.

As Jim and his favorite poet David Whyte would suggest, “Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the conversation. Everything is waiting for you.”

Guestbook

“I was an extremely timid freshman when I was forced to enroll in the dreaded “ORAL COMMUNICATIONS” at SLV. Somehow, this was a requirement for the Watershed Academy, a science-heavy program at the high school. Little did I know how much this class would shape me as moved into adulthood. I learned how accept discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and turn my thoughts into shared experience. This class was foundational for me. “Always taste your food before you salt it.” This was a Kallas-ism that has always stuck with me. What an amazing teacher he was and will continue to be through all the lessons we carry with us now.”

Liza Angila · Former student

“As a former SLV student, I have many fond memories of James Kallas, but perhaps none are as burned into my brain as a chaotic night in Italy after I graduated in 2000. It’s no secret to those who knew him that Mr. Kallas was a cultured man who enjoyed a good glass of wine now and then. Myself and a couple dozen other graduates were staying at a hostel of some type and on this particular night there was a rave of some type going on outside with festive lights, loud music, and drinks flowing. For whatever reason that night, I found myself sitting in the stairwell on the third floor, wallowing in whatever overdramatic trivial scenarios an 18 year-old finds themselves at the center of…when I heard the door to the stairwell swing open loudly, followed by jovial humming and the stumbling shuffles of a single pair of feet rhythmically making their way towards me. I remember thinking that I didn’t have the patience in the moment to deal with whichever joyful peer I thought might be approaching, when I heard, “Mr. Humphrey! Whatever are you doing?” It was Mr. Kallas, holding a glass of wine and grinning with purple lips. I tried to explain myself and give the details of my turmoil, but in the midst of having trouble finding the right words, he simply cut me off, saying, “Mr. Humphrey…sometimes you just have to shut your mind off and dance.” Then he waltzed past me while humming his tune and left me smiling. That was Jim. He gave me lessons in drama, humanities and video production, but more than anything, he taught me how to enjoy the moment. Thank you, Jim. You’ll be missed…and if there’s there’s a postscript to the story of life, I hope you’re dancing in it.”

Nick Humphrey · Former student and friend

“Jim was a Leprechaun in human form. His talents were many and far reaching as depicted in his obit, but it was the way he did those things, with a twinkle and a twist of magic that I adored. His heart was large and kind, sometimes mischievous and secretive, but he gave to us all as if he’d touched the Blarney Stone of old. He gave me Joy!”

Melinda Super-Rambo · Friend