

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara “Babs” Chesson Gallion. Jim and Babs met while she was a student at Meredith College and Jim was attending North Carolina State University, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by love, faith, and devotion. He is also survived by his children, Byerly Gallion Graves (married to Corbin Graves) and Rebecca Gallion Jetton (married to Brian Jetton). He was adored by his grandchildren, Chesson Holt Graves, Anna Corbin Graves, Walker James Graves, Wesley Nicholls Jetton, and Audrey Nance Jetton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Audrey Gallion; his brother, Bob Gallion; and his sister, Suzanne Wright.
Jim had a deep love for his family and was known for his generous heart and dry sense of humor. He was a brilliant engineer who loved solving problems, whether in his professional work or while tackling personal projects. A man of strong faith, Jim loved Jesus and was actively involved in his church community at White Plains United Methodist Church. As promised in Jim’s favorite Psalm, he now dwells in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).
A service will be held at White Plains UMC at 313 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511 on Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 2:00PM. Reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these non-profit organizations that are special to Jim:
Raleigh Young Life at https://giving.younglife.org/s/raleigh
White Plains Children Center at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=8VG5HqGcOh5J5dwFo1cIvdnGIqyFaO7AowYjS1_d0at_v-YmvvZUpwlgu2ubIuyvcAlBMiUy5FGmXWIk
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