Albert James "Jim" Galligan, 87, of Williamsburg, Mich., passed away peacefully with family by his side Friday, May 11, 2018 at Water's Edge Senior Care.

Jim was born June 10, 1930 in Ecorse, Mich., to the late Joseph and Seraphine (Burnett) Galligan. He married Edra Dawn "Mickey" McCombs on April 14, 1951 in Elk Rapids, Mich. Together they lovingly raised five wonderful children.

Jim honorably served our country in the United States Army from 1951-1953. He was a dedicated teacher and principal for more than 30 years. His career started at the Stricker one-room schoolhouse on Cedar Run Road in Traverse City, Mich. He ignited a love of learning in hundreds of students in a number of Michigan school districts, including Flushing, Flint, Whittemore, South Boardman and Kalkaska. Even after he retired, Jim shared his love of teaching with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and through volunteering at local schools.

He enjoyed tinkering with woodworking, making all kinds of neat things, such as train sets, trucks and red cedar boxes. Throughout his life, he crafted thousands of whistles out of poplar tree branches every spring and loved to share his directions (and rules) on how to make them.

A true kid at heart, Jim was an avid motorcycle rider, skateboarder and roller-skater. Jim will be fondly remembered for his love of the outdoors, sense of humor, work ethic and life-long devotion to teaching. Jim will be forever missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving Jim are his children Dawn (Vince) Lewis of Grove City, Ohio, Mike (Laurie) Galligan of Ferrysburg, Mich., Tim (Laureen) Galligan of Traverse City, Mich., Ann (Michael) Couturier of Williamsburg, Mich., and Matt (Maribeth) Galligan of Clarkston, Mich.; grandchildren Mindy (Scott) Caster, Ben (Jess) Lewis, Kylie (fiancé Ben Fox) Galligan, Connor (fiancée Alyssa Rozelle) Galligan, Ryan (fiancée Laura Park) Galligan, Megan Galligan, Lysette (Josh) Nazworth, Catherine Galligan, Griffin Galligan and Gina Galligan; great grandchildren Sophia, Oscar, Ethan, Benjamin and Denver; siblings Marianne Smith, Janet Andres, Dave Galligan, Bill (Joyce) Galligan, Mike (Judy) Galligan, Kathleen Hulbert, Betsy (Gene) Krogel and Sue (Jim) Hicks; and many other loving family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mickey; brother Pat Galligan; in-laws Lyle Smith, Andy Andres, Marian Galligan, Dick Hulbert, Fran Galligan, Bill Morden and Joyce Morden; and nieces Rita Contos and Leisa Brown.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, Mich., with a visitation at 10 a.m. Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will officiate. Burial will take place at Circle Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg, Mich. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Traverse Area Historical Society or Meals on Wheels. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Jim's family at www.reynolds-Jonkhoff.com