James Leo Gallagher

James Leo Gallagher, 81, of Lee's Summit, Mo., passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Lee's Summit Medical Center. James grew up in Kansas City, primarily living in Northeast and also on the Eastside near 31st and Paseo Blvd. He always talked about the old street-car line that allowed him to travel any-where he wanted. He was a "Big Band" singer in the mid 40s to mid 50s and was a regular featured performer on the Tower Theater stage. At one time he was considered the Kansas City "Frank Sinatra" although that always embarrassed him. He was also a very good roller skater and regularly went to the old El Torreon Roller Rink at 31st and Gillham Rd. That is where he met his life-long love, Mar- garet. The first time he met her, he told her he "loved her and was going to marry her." She was not impressed that night but a short time later they became forever dance skating partners. They married several years later while home on emergency leave, and their union would bring about a very large, loving family. James was a very good provider and a career employee of General Motors Corporation where he began working at the Leed's Assembly Plant and later as a Supervisor at the District GM Depot in Lenexa, Kan. Throughout his career he also worked numerous part-time jobs until he and his wife started their own company. Adaire for Men, a Men's Hair- piece Custom Designs, put them on the national scene and was considered a pioneer in the field. Once their four children were grown they started enjoying the addition of new generations to come. His favorite thing in life was simply being "Papo" to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. James was a lifelong Catholic and very happy with his membership of the recently developed parish of St. Margaret of Scotland. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate Mass Intentions and donations to the James and Margaret Gallagher Memorial Fund for Church Artifacts at St. Margaret's. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret June Gallagher on February 15, 2008. He is survived by his four children, Mi- chael Gallagher, Dianna & John Cress, Patricia & Patrick Scroggin, and James Gallagher II & Mindy; grandchildren Christina & Jr. Moritz, John & Sandy Cress, Shane Gallagher, Tisha Scroggin, Mindy & Ja-son Kerr, Janelle & Adam Pietrowicz, Missy & John Rockers, Tommy Scroggin, and Jas Gallagher III; and great grand-children T.J., Kaci, John, Maddie, Mary, Ali Jo, Tommy and Johnny. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 1 at St. Margaret's of Scotland Catholic Church. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial in Lee's Summit Cemetery, Lee's Summit, Mo. (Arr. Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St., Lee's Summit, Mo., 64065, 816- 524-3700)