Jim Callaway was sworn in as the next president of the Optimist Club of Coronado on Sept. 28 by the five members of the selection committee.
Paul Lull, the previous president, said they selected Callaway because of his integrity, follow up and follow through attitude, leadership throughout his Navy career as a captain and commitment to working well with others.
Over 48 years of Navy service
Callaway’s wife of 52 years, Beverly, had joined the Optimist Club while he was on active duty in the Navy. After retiring from the Navy 11 years ago after 48 years of service, Callaway joined the club—only a day before he turned 70-years-old.
Callaway embodies the Optimist Creed, which consists of 10 statements the club is committed to, according to Lull.
Lull said Callaway reflects the sixth part of the creed the most: “To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.”
He’s very successful, but he’s so unassuming. He defers over other people’s compliments, other people’s success, knowing that he’s self-confident in himself…He brags about other people.”
-Paul Lull on incoming Optimist Club President Jim Callaway.
“He’s very successful, but he’s so unassuming. He defers over other people’s compliments, other people’s success, knowing that he’s self-confident in himself,” said Lull. “He brags about other people.”
Callaway said he has a passion for helping others, and he enjoys giving back to the community and the youth of Coronado, which is the club’s mission
“When life is good, you have to do something like this to give back,” said Callaway.
An avid runner
A true optimist in supporting the club’s mission, Callaway also has a life passion that contributes to his drive— and that is running.
Every Wednesday, he runs with a group in Balboa Park in San Diego to run a 2.2 mile loop.
Running became a part of Callaway’s life in middle school and continued into high school and college.
He attended Michigan State University on a track scholarship and won national competitions.
His love for running is rooted in his competitive spirit, and Lull said the endorphins Callaway gets from running contribute to his personality.
“Jim Callaway is one of the most unassuming, nicest men you’ll ever meet. He’s a well-rounded person.”
-Paul Lull, the previous Optimist Club President.
“Jim Callaway is one of the most unassuming, nicest men you’ll ever meet,” said Lull. “He’s a well-rounded person.”
Callaway and his wife often go to the Boston Marathon, and in the 1980s they ran the race three times together.
He competes at the national level in 5K and 8K races, and he is the current USATF national champion in Cross Country 8K in the 80-84 age group. Further, he has won 31 straight races at all levels since turning 80.
Honored in the Avenue of Heroes
In 1987, he and his wife built a home in Coronado.
In 1995, he retired from 31 years of active duty but then went into a new career in Navy Bachelor Housing for 17 years.
His uncle, who was a captain in the Navy, inspired Callaway to join for three years to see the world. When Callaway graduated in 1964 from Michigan State with an engineering degree and teaching credentials, he said the world was open to him.
After three years, he received his master’s degree from Ohio State University.
The Vietnam War was going on at this time, so he went back into duty and experienced combat.
“It was just sort of a happenstance,” said Callaway. “A lot of things in life are that way.”
In May 2023, Callaway was honored in the Avenue of Heroes, Coronado’s military service recognition program, after being nominated by a friend.
He has also received 20 medals for his service, including Legion of Merit and multiple bronze stars.
“I’m a happy guy,” said Callaway. “Life is good here. It’s tremendously good. I don’t know how it can get any better.”
