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.
Dear Calvet family, Jim was a wonderful human, a brilliant educator, and exceptional role model, and a true ambassador for kidney research. He will be greatly missed.
Sad to learn of Dr. Calvet’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him occasionally over many years and we enjoyed those conversations. He was always pleasant and generous with his time. We enjoyed sharing thoughts and experiences. I cherish the time spent with Dr. Calvet. My sincere condolences to you all.
Dr. Calvet was my mentor cum important collaborator: I met him in the Spring of 2000, following that I spent several summers in his lab that led to developing an interesting project and successful collaboration with some funding. Since my work place was 100 miles away from KUMC, I visited him regularly to discuss our collaborative project and his insightful wisdom. His lab always a open door to me. All these were immensely helpful for my professional progress, for which I will always be grateful!
As a person he was very kind, generous and nice to everyone!
My deepest condolences to his beloved Susan and other extended family members!
Rest in peace Dr. Calvet!
Jim was a brilliant scientist and educator, and outstanding ambassador for kidney research at KU Medical Center. Beyond that, he was a wonderful colleague and mentor, and will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Susan, the Calvet family, and to all who knew him
Jim was a brilliant scientist and educator, and outstanding ambassador for kidney research at KU Medical Center. Beyond that, he was a wonderful colleague and mentor, and will be greatly missed.
Dear Calvet family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He always had a smile and a word of encouragement for me. His advocacy for collaborative research between PKD and cancer biologists resulted in several advances. This is a huge loss for the KU cancer center community to which I belong. My deepest condolences.
Extending our deepest sympathies to Susan and the extended Calvet family. Jim was a kind and generous man for whom we are so grateful to have known and had as a colleague.
Dear Susan and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I was privileged to meet Jim in 1988 at ASN, when only a handful of researchers worked on PKD. We formed an immediate connection that grew stronger over the years. Jim was both a dear friend and a valued PKD colleague. A true pioneer with major scientific impact, he was a role model whose deep commitment to helping others thrive inspired so many, along with his humility and gentle kindness. Many thanks, Jim, for all you have given and shared.
My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
I was a faculty member with Jim in the Biochemistry Department at KU Med. Jim was a fine researcher, teacher and person. He will certainly be missed. My sympathies to all the family.
With deepest sympathy for the family from old neighbors in Prairie Village. We remember Jim with respect, affection, and appreciation.
Jim and I were first cousins, his father and my mother were brother and sister. Although we both had lived in the same NJ town during elementary school, we were from opposite sides of town and so attended different schools. But as fate would have it, we both went to Franklin Pierce College, and after two semesters we each were invited to live in the dean’s home and so we accepted and roomed together.
Like so many of the others who have written praises about Jim, I too found him to be a sterling chap, a fellow of high morals and a genuinely nice person. We became not just cousins, but great friends. Obviously we shared a grandmother who was a delight, but also a love of nature, the outdoors, and one another. We were in each other’s weddings, and while our careers kept us miles apart, we managed to visit-although not often enough. Thankfully we both wrote long texts to each other and did keep in touch. So I was shocked and saddened by the announcement of his loss.
My heart goes out to Susan (aka Aunti Susu) who was the love of his life and the prettiest girl at Franklin Pierce College. Rest in Peace dear Jim, we all miss you.
Jim was a true leader in his field. He was a model for us all of how to live a life in science that was both profoundly impactful and wonderfully kind and generative. He will be deeply missed.
I worked with Jim at the Med Center for more than 30 years. Jim’s insights were always solid, trustworthy and positive. He was a good friend, always had a smile and provided reliable support. I will miss him. Paul Terranova
Dear Sue and family
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. He was a dear friend and colleague. I was fortunate enough to have my laboratory next to Jim’s office for years, and to be able to collaborate with him. We also shared our anniversaries in May and for many years we congregated each other; 58 years this year. Jim was a great man. We were blessed to have known him.
Thanks to Joe and Loretta Calvet, Genii and I, and our granddaughter Holly, we had a glorious week with Jim, Susan and their family, plus Linda and Charles. Lots of fun, food and happy gatherings. Jim arranged a white water rafting trip for me (Nick). What more can I say?
All our love to the Rainbow Lake gang and so sorry about the passing of the extraordinary Jim.
Jim was a dear friend, incredibly kind bright curious gentle generous and loving. We (he, Susan, and I) shared children and grandchildren– blessed by his presence which we will feel forever.
Dear Roura,
Your father sounds like a beautiful and loving person. I know he must’ve been to have raised such a thoughtful, caring and talented daughter as you. Much love to you and your family.
I am so sad to hear about Uncle Jim’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you all so much love.
Hi Susan and family,
Shocked by the news and very saddened as Jim only recently retired. I interviewed Jim when he interviewed here at KUMC. He was one of my favorite faculty members as he had all the qualities one could hope for in an academic. He was honest, respectful, nice, upbeat and a good scientist.
To the Calvet family, our hearts are broken for each and every one of you especially Susan. Jim was a special man who’s life and friendship will never be forgotten. So many people have been touched by Jim during his life and we were one of the lucky ones!