James Gallagher

1926 - 2016

James Edward Gallagher was born on February 18th, 1926 to Albert Gallagher and Catherine (Scanlon). James married Mary Jean Bure, the love of his life, on January 30, 1954. He was a member of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church for 60 years. On May 18, 2016 he went home to join our Lord. Jim graduated from Waukegan High School, and then went on to the Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He played piano, saxophone, and clarinet, his licorice stick. While still just in high school, he played in a swing band at local dance halls, and supper clubs. During WW II, he served in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator in Iran, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf. For over 60 years, he was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #1293. He was a Local 63 Ironworker, but could perform most any trade. Jim worked in the family business established in 1917, McKinney Harrington Conveyor Company. In 1966, he cofounded North Chicago Iron Works. A few Hershey bars always showed up on the Ace Hardware statement to the amusement of the shop bookkeeper. He and his wife took the family on numerous road trips. Anniversary trips included Acapulco, Mexico and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. Mary Jean and Jim loved to dance, especially polkas! They also shared a love for the outdoors enjoying many trips to their cabin on the Mississippi, with their family. Jim's feisty exterior belied his humble, and generous spirit. Countless acts of kindness, both small and large, went without much fanfare, just as he wanted. He often helped complete strangers and filled in as a substitute dad. At St. Anastasia, he was a member of the Holy Name Society for over 50 years. He was also a Bingo Captain for decades, and worked with his family for 25 years at P.A.D.S, Public Action to Deliver Shelter. He was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus, Waukegan #731 for over 50 years and a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Jim, along with his sons, pushed wheelchair bound veterans to enable them to attend the church services at Downey Veterans Hospital. He liked anything old and American made, leading to extensive collections of antique radios, cars, and motorcycles. Among his collection was a basket case Crocker, which he helped to restore and cherished. Grandchildren delighted in riding in the rear compartment of his old police three wheeler. Long term memberships included the Antique Motorcycle Club and Henderson Club. As a member of the Antique Model T Club, he displayed his award winning cars. His favorite car show was the Waukegan Scoop the Loop, where his antique cars were never off limits. Any kid could hop in the car, and pretend to drive, or honk the horn! James was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Jean, parents Albert and Catherine, brother Albert, and grandchildren Thomas Joseph, and Brianna. He was the father of James, Mark (Darlene), Ruth Ann, Jean Marie (Kurt), Mary Elaine (Michael), John (Elaine), Diane Lynn (Andy), and Kate Lynn (Scotty); brother-in-law of John (Dawn) Bure, and Ruth Ann (Jack O'Brien); grandfather of Kathy (Ramon), Steven (Cristi), Christopher, Sarah (Caleb), Megan (Chris), Kathleen (Brock), Christina, James, Daniel, Andrew, Caryn (Alex), Sean, Angelyn, Lynsey, Nicholas, Riley, Mikayla, and Curtis; great-grandfather of Xavier, Abel, Ayden, Addison, Cassidy, Taylor, Lawrence, Olivia, Christopher, Connor, Cody and Kevin; godfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend to all. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home 408 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan and 10:00 am at St. Anastasia Church on Monday, May 23, 2016. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am at St. Anastasia Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan. Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to St. Anastasia Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, please sign our online guestbook at www.petersonpatchfuneralhome.com for information please call, (847) 623-0495.