James Calhoun is a proud Alumnus of Kashmere Senior High School’s Class of 1985. While attending Kashmere, he was a member of the Martin Luther King national Honor society, Kashmere School’s choir, and he proudly played on the Kashmere Basketball team for the legendary Coach Frankie Brazos and Assistant Coach Danny Thomas. The team proudly won several district titles and consistently appeared in the state playoffs every year, celebrating their hard work and dedication. As a member of the alumni of Kashmere basketball program, James has worked with several AAU programs to pass on Coach Brazos philosophy and winning approach. His parents valued education over everything else and didn’t play with his learning. As a student, James graduated top 5% of his class, was selected as an Outstanding Academic High School Student in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and received All Academic Athletic Honor during his Senior Year.
Following high school, James attended Texas Tech University and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Houston Downtown’ receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems. James began his career in Information Management as a computer operator in the oil and gas industry and methodically advanced through roles as a programmer, database administrator, development lead, delivery manager, and ultimately as a Certified Project Manager with a focus on Information Technology delivery for Commodity Trading and Risk Management systems, accumulating over 30 years of experience in this field. During this chapter, he is proudly stepping into entrepreneurship with overwhelming expectancy fueled by faith knowing “the best” is yet to come. He has learned to trust God completely and listen keenly to His voice. James believes in “passing it forward” and continues to uplift and serve his family, friends, and community.
James Calhoun has made a significant impact in the energy trading industry with over 30 years of experience successfully developing, enhancing and delivering complex Information Technology solutions for companies like Reliant Energy, BP/Amoco Corporation and Shell Energy. He has proven invaluable to his village of loved ones– bringing compassion, integrity, strength and loyalty to all who know him”. He values faith, family, friendships, and being a productive member of his community. Referred to as James Jr by his family, he is the 1st born of two children. His parents, James and Linda Simms Calhoun were also alumni of Kashmere, and his mother previously received this prestigious honor. His parents instilled in him unshakeable values that have carried him through successes and challenges as a son, parent, and provider; He is the proud Father of Jalind and Jayla Calhoun, as well as two bonus children-Chad Lane and Julian Frances. Although fatherhood captured his heart like nothing else, being a Papa to his Grandson Hunter is “JOY” for him every day and all day.
