James George Gallagher, 67
James Gallagher passed peacefully on Oct. 30, 2011, following an extended illness and complications from cancer treatment. He died in Coeur d'Alene with his loving wife, Jo, and five sons at his side.
Jim was born Feb. 24, 1944, in Northampton, Pa., the first born to Mary and Robert Gallagher. His sister, Trish arrived 12 years later. Jim lived in Allentown during his youth where he developed his three life-long passions: sports, photography and fishing. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and went on to college at Georgetown.
Jim married Joan Elaine Shuhler in 1965, and they had two sons: Thomas Patrick Gallagher and James Timothy Gallagher.
He moved from Allentown, to Missoula, Mont., to raise his children in the Rocky Mountain West with his focus on family, faith, fly fishing and the great outdoors.
Settling in Coeur d'Alene, a short time later, Jim established deep roots in this community through his work building houses, delivering mail and taking photographs of children in youth sports.
He pursued his passion for the outdoors by fly fishing, camping and backpacking with his family every chance possible. He coached youth sports and was active in the Catholic Church. Perhaps his most recognizable contribution to the North Idaho community, however, came with the memories he provided to thousands of families through his Legends Sports Photography business over the 35 years he lived in Coeur d'Alene.
When one door closed with the death of his first wife, Joan, another door opened when he met Jo Ann Colston. Jim and Jo married in 1988, and they experienced a wonderful relationship. Jim was a tremendous family man and together with Jo, he raised three more sons: Jeremy Tye Colston, Keith Alan Colston and Joshua Thomas Colston.
He traveled a great deal, following his sons during their college football careers, and he fished nearly every river in the Pacific Northwest. He also fished the rugged terrain of Alaska several times with his sons and fished both coasts of Mexico in recent years.
An avid Seattle Seahawks fan and dedicated season-ticket holder for nearly 20 years, Jim and Jo optimistically traveled to Seattle on crisp fall days to watch the Hawks no matter how they fared.
He cared for his mother, Mary, in recent years, moving her from Pennsylvania to Idaho to spend time with her before her passing last year.
Jim lived by a simple edict: Love Everyone. During Jim's battle with cancer, the parade of visitors to his bedside was a testament to this enduring characteristic. He did ordinary things, but always in an extraordinary way. He was the most loving and generous individual you could ever hope to meet in life. He was truly a saint who touched the lives of many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jo, and his children and grandchildren: Jeremy and Angela Colston and their children, Justice, Taiha, Kaiden and Elias; Keith and Teresa Colston and their sons, Talan, Dominic and Marcus; Josh Colston; Thomas and Linda Gallagher and their daughter, Madelyn; and James and Sheila Gallagher; as well as his sister, Trish Gallagher. All will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Gallagher; his first wife, Joan; and his grandson, Samuel Gallagher.
A celebration of his life will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, with a Mass and reception at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, and all are invited.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to carry on Jim's giving spirit may contribute to the Jim Gallagher Scholarship Fund, 1260 Margaret Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.
English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted to handle the arrangements. Please visit Jim's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.