His twin brother, Finlay Calder, also played for Scotland and captained the 1989 British Lions tour to Australia. The brothers never played in the same Scotland side; Jim Calder won the last of his caps against in March 1985 and Finlay made his debut against in January 1986. Jim won a total of 27 caps, with his career record ending as: Won 12, Lost 13, Drew 2.