LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV Athletics is mourning the loss of former longtime team dentist James "Doc" Callaway, who passed away Monday at the age of 74.
Dr. Callaway, who ran a thriving family dental practice in Las Vegas for nearly half a century, was inducted into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Contributor in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Theresa, seven children, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, 12 grandchildren and two sisters.
"We send our condolences and prayers to the Callaway family," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "He passionately served the Southern Nevada community, including our student-athletes and staff, for decades. Many Rebels over the years have fond memories of 'Doc' Callaway."
Born and raised here in the desert, Callaway attended Fifth Street Grammar and graduated from old Las Vegas High School. He then traveled northward to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery -- Summa Cum Laude -- from the University of Detroit. Callaway returned to Southern Nevada in 1973 and four years later began his affiliation with UNLV.
Also an accomplished painter, Callaway was once described by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as "An Artist with a Brush and A Drill." He donated his time and talents away from the dentist's chair to UNLV Athletics and its Hall of Fame, creating more than 20 portraits of fellow program supporters and award-winning student-athletes and coaches over the years. His paintings hang in galleries in Arizona and New Mexico as well as private collections across the nation.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a successful Little League Baseball coach for more than 20 years and also served as the team dentist for Las Vegas' AAA baseball club.
A longtime force in the community, Callaway had longstanding associations with the Lion's Club, the Boy Scouts of America, the LDS church and the Board of Directors of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.
A celebration of his life will take place at 5 p.m. on February 1 at 1801 S. Monte Cristo Way in Las Vegas.
