James "Jim" K. Gallagher

James (Jim) K. Gallagher, 91, of Traverse City, began his eternal journey on January 26, 2025, comforted by his family at home. The patriarch of the family has completed his earthly journey and will be forever remembered and missed. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 65 years Patsy (Bliss) on August 27, 2019. Jim, one of a family of ten was born February 9, 1933 at the home place on North Long Lake Road in Traverse City, Michigan to the late Cecil and Marjorie (McManus) Gallagher. He was proceeded in death by members of his family sister, Betty and husband, Jack, sister, Mary Jo, brother, Jack and wife, Bernie. Jim was raised on the Farm milking cows, harvesting cherries and was a proud 1945 graduate of the Lone Tree School House located on Harris Road. As we were told multiple times he walked both ways up hill to school. He was a 1951 graduate of Saint Francis High School and served in the Korean War as a Heavy Equipment Operator, honorably discharged as an Army Corporal. One of his adventures during his service was that he climbed Mount Fugi. He always let the grandkids believe that the tank in the town of Mancelona was the tank he drove in the war. On November 23, 1953, Jim married the love of his life the girl next door. They celebrated 65 years of “wedded” bliss. As he told many through the years he saved mom from a life of prosperity. Jim had a career at Michigan Bell starting out as a lineman and then a test man, retiring in 1988. After the Mackinac Bridge was built, he was on the lineman crew that bought phone service to the Upper Peninsula. He was an active officer of the CWA Local 4109. And a member of the American Legion. His favorite saying was that he was a “poor farmer.” Naming his farm: Gallagher’s Poor Farm. He spent countless hours working in the orchard and harvesting the best tasting cherries and apples. After his retirement he drove cars for Bill Marsh Auto for over twenty years. Any morning you could find Dad and his good friend, Ray Weber having breakfast at the Big Boy restaurant and most days they had friends and family joining them. We appreciate the kindness and special care all of the Big Boy employees gave our dad. Dad loved telling or hearing a good joke. Had a wonderful since of humor. He was very knowledgeable on many topics and loved having great conversations. He was an avid reader and expected all to be aware of current events. Dad was a strong advocate of being involved in our community and always led by example. Which included being a member of Immaculate Conception Church Parish Council. During his tender in the 60’s and 70’s he was very proud of being instrumental in the building of the Parish Rectory and the addition to the Immaculate Conception school. He was also on the committee to build the Churches Centennial Hall. Mom and Dad were the fifth couple to be married at the new church. Together with Patsy they volunteered, donated and supported many events at Twin Lakes Park such as Camp Roy-El and the 4H camp. They opened their home to countless foster children and unwed mothers. Jim is survived and missed terribly by his children; Michael (Linda), Kay (David) Ingraham, Donald (Colleen), Rose Douglas and Karen (Lee) Bishop, grandchildren; Jim (Gwen), Amber (Rick) Strang, Ashley (John) Trumbull, Jeremy Gallagher, Brent (Andrea), Shannon (Cody) Weber, Mackenzie (Shain Ward), Jenie (Bruce Dixon), Joel (Hannah) Ingraham, TJ Douglas and Justin Ingraham as well as 23 great grandchildren. Jim was particularly loved and well-liked by all his nieces and nephews, considered the favorite uncle who had a strong, positive relationship with each of them. We will now be able to honor our mother’s final wish, to have psalm 2 Timothy 4:7 placed on his head stone, where the Apostle Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City, Michigan 49684., from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. There will be a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Father Dennis Stillwell and Deacon Jude Younker will officiate. Webcast is available at www.immaculatetc.org and choose Livestream from menu. Jim’s final resting place will take place in the Spring at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, those considering an expression of sympathy may choose to do so to the local Alzheimer’s Association or Feeding America. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family. Jim and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

James "Jim" K. Gallagher

February 9, 1933 - January 26, 2025