James "Jimmy Kal" Kalinowski

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jimmy Kal” Kalinowski on February 4, 2026 at the age of 70 years old.  Born in Needham on September 26, 1955, he passed away peacefully with his family by his side.  

A lifelong resident of Needham, Massachusetts he had a great love for his family and friends and was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand.  He will always be remembered for driving around town in a Mack truck, first working with his father for J Kalinowski Used Bricks and later with the Jack Malone Company of Needham. He had a great love of cooking, barbequing and his wood stove. He could often be found scavenging wood or taking a barbequed chicken leg to a friend.  He liked animals almost more than he liked people and he could always be found with some animal he said he did not want by his side.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman who rarely caught anything. 

He is survived by his wife Donna (Chamberlain), his children, Jim Jr and his wife Holly of Needham, Bethany and her fiancé John Cantrell of Aiken SC, and Katie of Needham, his grandchildren, Noah Cantrell, Evelyn Kalinowski-Burns, and Rylie Cantrell, his brother William (Billy) and his wife Jeanne, his sister Karen, his aunts Jenny Broderick and Mary Pearson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Theresa Kalinowski and his brothers Tommy and Joey.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Needham Village Club, 83 Morton Street, Needham, MA from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  To honor Jim’s request no services will be held but we would welcome everyone to join us for a celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Needham VFW Post 2498, 20 Junction Street, Needham, MA 02492, SPIN (Stray Pets in Need), PO Box #812143, Wellesley, MA 02482-0014 or online at www.straypetsinneed.org, or the Needham Village Club, 83 Morton Street, Needham, MA 02494.  Please note the donation is in memory of Jim Kalinowski.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jimmy Kal" Kalinowski, please visit our floral store.