James J. Kalavik was born in 1915 to Steven and Rose Kalavik at 173 Second Avenue in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He was one of eight children including: Edward, Stephen, John, Stephanie, Mary, Anne, and Betty.

James was a member of the Sacred Heart Church and attended its school, located on Hall Street, between Main and Starr Streets, for grades 1-8. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of the church, as well as a member of All-Nations Bible Society (which promotes Bible study groups around the world). He went on to attend Phoenixville High School, then located on Nutt St., where the Phoenixville Hospital stands today. He was a well known high school athlete, an exception basketball and baseball player.

After his schooling, he obtained employment with the Weiland Packing Company.

James enlisted in the Army on September 16, 1941, and received training in Georgia. He then was assigned to serve in the 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, then training in California.

James’s Division shipped out to the Pacific Theater of Operations in February 1942, arriving in Hawaii. The division then captured Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands in November, and Enwetok in the Marshall Islands in February, 1944.

In June, the 27th Infantry Division assaulted Saipan in the Marianas.

Private First Class James J. Kalavik was Killed In Action on June 24, 1944 on Saipan.

His mother received the telegram on Saturday July 29th. James was buried at the Honolulu National Memorial Cemetery in Hawaii with full military honors. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

His brother Edward also served during the war.