11/6/1945 – 6/11/2026
Lawrence
James Paul Calvet, Ph.D., of Lawrence, Kansas, professor emeritus of the University of Kansas, passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on June 11, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 58 years, Susan H. Calvet, his daughters, Elizabeth Calvet (Connor O’Brien), Roura Young (Bryan) and Amelia Wyckoff. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, the lights of his life: Cal Young, Marcel Wyckoff, Ellie Young, Violet Wyckoff, Angela Dreiling, Rowan O’Brien, Luke Wyckoff, Jay Calvet and Susie Calvet and one great-grandson, Luca Wyckoff. Jim leaves behind his two siblings, Linda Calvet (Charles Dexter) and Joseph Calvet (Loretta), his nephew Bryan Calvet (Brooke) and many cousins, friends and colleagues.
Born on November 6, 1945, to Paul Eugene Calvet and Angela Roura Calvet, Jim grew up in Ridgewood, N.J., and always spoke fondly about his life with his family and extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents – a beautiful, rich life that he enjoyed remembering.
He attended Franklin Pierce College (now University) in Keene, N.H., where – on the first day – he fortuitously met Susan Hammond Staples. Since that day, they were never far from each other. Jim graduated as valedictorian of his class and six days later on May 4, 1968, Jim and Susan were married. They moved to Plattsburgh, N.Y., for his master’s degree and then to Storrs, Conn., for his doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut and where his three daughters were born.
Jim was a postdoc and senior research associate at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury, Mass. Here he learned RNA biochemistry, working with wonderful colleagues who also became dear family friends. It was a busy, sweet time for the family.
Jim and family moved to Prairie Village, Kans. in 1981 for his faculty position in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) where he had a long and impactful career. Jim made significant contributions to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) science, working together with his lab, his many colleagues and mentees.
He was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Classroom Teaching in 2007, Chancellor’s Club Research Award in 2009, the Lillian Jean Kaplan International PKD Prize in 2011, and a University Distinguished Professorship in 2017. Jim was one of the founding members of the Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, serving as Interim Director and then Deputy Director. He served as the Director of the Kansas PKD Research and Translation Core Center from 2005 until 2022, one year before he retired from his faculty position on June 30, 2023.
In retirement, Jim continued to participate at KUMC through his professor emeritus role.
Jim loved his research field, his lab and his work community. The day before his death he was honored to receive the Franklin Pierce University Alumni of Distinction Award for his professional accomplishments and outstanding character.
Above all, Jim loved time with his family, including hosting weekly Sunday extended brunches; attending his grandchildren’s various sports, art and musical events; holiday gatherings; and traveling with Susan in their camping van. He treasured an annual gathering at Rainbow Lake in Colorado, a 32-year tradition, as an opportunity to connect with his beloved sister and brother, their families, his own family, and all those he welcomed.
Jim led a remarkable, beautiful life. His character was of the highest caliber – he was loving, fun, wise, hardworking, gentle, honest, curious, humble and generous. Over the course of his life, he was a poet, sailor, appreciator of beauty, birder, artist, camper, reader, a wonderful conversationalist, and the very best husband, father and grandfather. His impact on his family was profound and will be everlasting.
Services will be 2:00pm, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Drive, Lawrence, Kansas. A reception will immediately follow the service. Private family graveside service will be held at Pioneer Cemetery on KU’s West Campus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PKD Foundation or to the Grantham Endowed Fund for the Kidney Institute.
To leave a message for Jim’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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