Ret. Col. James Patrick Gallin

James Patrick Gallin, born in the Bronx, New York, on March 20, 1944, passed away on December 18, 2013 at University of Florida, Shands Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida. Jim leaves behind his wife, Louella Gallin, mother-in-law Eva Gonzales, son Todd, daughter-in-law Shalene, and granddaughters Sloan and Brynn.

Jim was the son of the late Betty and Bill Gallin of New Rochelle, New York, and was one of seven children, including John (Karen) Gallin, Patty Gallin, Beth (Terry) Norton, Bill (Chris) Gallin and Tim (Terry) Gallin, his brother, Gerard (Annette) Gallin, pre-deceased him in 2005. He also has one nephew and nine nieces.

Jim received his bachelor's degree from St. Michael's College, Burlington, VT. in 1966 and that same year he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force. After flight school he served in the 3rd Air Commando Squadron, Ben Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. From 1969-1973 Jim flew B-52 bombers, on temporary duty in South East Asia assigned to the 346th Bomb Squadron, Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, MA. In 1973 Jim joined the Air Force Reserve, Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, MA. His military career spanned over 30 years during which time he also flew C-123s, C-130s and the C-5A Galaxy.

In 1977. Jim received his Masters of Art in Business Administration, Western New England College, Springfield, MA. And in 1990 completed Air War College.

In August 1991 Jim was promoted to Colonel and also assumed position as Vice Commander, 439th Airlift Wing, Westover Reserve Base, Chicopee, MA. Jim served in Panama and The Gulf War. In December 1992, Jim was temporarily assigned as Deputy Commander of Mobility Forces in Somalia for Operation Restore Hope.

Jim was a Command Pilot having received the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with fifteen oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retirement from the Air Force Reserve and one not to sit idle, Jim first got a job working for Levy Brothers and was one of the opening manager's for Fulton's Crab House, Downtown Disney, Orlando, FL. He was hired by AirTran Airways in 1997 and retired as a B717 Captain in 2004. His total flying time is in excess of fifteen thousand hours. In recent years he worked as a concierge for J. W. Marriott, Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL. Jim was elected Treasurer of the Central Florida Concierge Association in 2006. In 2007 Jim was awarded "Concierge of The Year".

Jim was well known for his amiable personality and wonderful sense of humor. Both family and friends have described him as a loyal husband of 29 years who was devoted to Louella and family. He and Lou shared many interests including entertaining, travel and golf.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 29th from 1-4pm and 6-9pm at Family Funeral Care. A funeral mass will be held Monday December 30, at 10am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809. Arrangements are being handled by Family Funeral Care, 13001 South John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837, 407-812-3200.