Feb. 23, 1932 - Dec. 8, 2013

ELKHART — James Hugh "Jim" Gallagher Jr., 81, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, surrounded by his wife and children at Elkhart General Hospital, after a brief illness due to heart complications.

Jim was born Feb. 23, 1932, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to the late James Hugh Sr. and Ruth (Hall) Gallagher.

He graduated from Delton High School in Delton, Mich., in 1950. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-55. From there he graduated with a marketing degree from Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life Elaine Sorensen; they were married on Dec. 1, 1962. They just recently celebrated their anniversary of 51 years.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine R. Gallagher; sister Mary (John) Rasmussen of Louden, Tenn.; children Kathleen (Stephen) Riikonen of Elkhart, Diane Gallagher of Eatonton, Ga., Michael (Shellie) Gallagher of Fort Wayne, and Lorraine Gallagher of Eatonton. He is also a proud granddad of 11 grandchildren and 11 wonderful great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed duck hunting, boating, playing cards, traveling and cooking. He was known to share a good story or piece of advice, including a favorite menu item from any city. After working more than 40 years in the marine industry, he retired from Godfrey Marine as the National Sales Manager. Jim dedicated his life to his family and the community.

Jim is a third and fourth degree member of the Elkhart Knights of Columbus, and a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Church and School. He also was a docent at the Notre Dame Basilica and the RV Museum. He made tremendous strides in the area with the annual Knights of Columbus Christmas Food Drive as its committee chairman for several years. He was always proud of his outreach with the area Latino community. They considered him their honorary "abuelo."

A gathering of family and friends will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A parish rosary will be recited beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, where friends may call for one hour prior to the start of Mass. The Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate. Military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter 19 will be rendered following the Mass at the church. In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation will follow with burial at a later date in St. Vincent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your generosity be shared with one of the two following organizations: St. Vincent de Paul School Scholarship Fund, 1114 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516 or Knights of Columbus Food Drive, 112 E. Lexington Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516. Online condolences may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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