James A. Gallagher

James A. Gallagher, age 95 of Colorado Springs, passed away on October 1, 2022, joining his late wife Isabelle in heaven. He was born October 6,1926, in Florence, New Jersey, and was the son of the late James and Laura Gallagher.

Jim was a devout Roman Catholic and a caring husband and father. He married Isabelle (“Sis”) Canally on May 23, 1953. Sis was the perfect partner for his life’s journey. They were happily married for sixty-five years until her passing in December 2018. Jim and Sis had seven children and provided them with a good home, opportunities to achieve, and a Catholic education.

Driven by his sharp intellect and curiosity, Jim’s personal and professional achievements and successes inspired all who knew him. After graduating from Trenton Catholic Boys High School at age 16, Jim started at St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, PA in 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) reserves. In 1944, he was called to serve as a cryptologist with the occupation forces in Germany. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he continued his education at St. Joseph’s and earned a degree in Chemistry in 1949.

Jim started his career right after college as a chemist in the rubber industry in New Jersey. Over the next three decades, he worked his way to upper management positions in the rubber and other industries, making stops in West Brookfield, MA, Danville, IL, Charlotte NC, Toronto, CAN, and Louisville, KY. In 1984, Jim and Sis bought XL Industries in Colorado Springs and operated it successfully for 25 years until retirement.

Jim and Sis loved to travel. It is very likely that they drove more than 3 million miles in their lifetime together, and not one mile was spent on a road to nowhere. If there was a car, a road, and a reason, they would get there – provided Sis got everybody in the car by 6 am. They especially liked to visit their children and families in California, Montana, Kansas, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Kentucky. Jim and Sis also ventured overseas to Ireland, England, France, and Italy where they enjoyed the villages, food, wine, and cultural attractions. In addition to traveling, Jim’s other interests included music - he played the saxophone during his college days, and he was in the marching band with the USAAF. Jim also loved to read – mostly US and European history, but also P.G. Wodehouse.

Jim inspired his children to be adventurous, to live with integrity, to work hard, and to keep their focus on the path forward. That’s how he lived his life. He loved challenges, and stressed the importance of self-discovery, showing his children not only how to reach for the stars, but expecting them to find their right path to the stars.

Jim was the husband of the late Isabelle M. Gallagher (Canally) and is survived by seven children: Susan Walters, Del Mar, CA; Mary Williams (Doug), Clancy, MT; Betsy Gallagher, Milwaukee, WI; Pat Lawlor (David), West Glover, VT; James A. Gallagher Jr.,, Colorado Springs; Peggy Richey (John), Lexington KY; and P\aul Gallagher (Dusti), Wamego, KS; 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his wife and his brother, R. Louis Gallagher.

The Gallagher family is grateful to the wonderful staff of Mackenzie Place and Bristol Hospice in Colorado Springs, who all provided him loving and compassionate care.

Viewing will be held Thursday, October 13th, 6-8pm, with Rosary during last half hour, at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave. Mass will be held Friday October 14th ,11am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3122 Poinsetta Dr. Committal service will be on the same day at 2 pm at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Maryknoll Missionaries, Bristol Hospice, or Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs.