James Joseph Gallagher Jr.

James Joseph Gallagher, Jr., age 73, passed away suddenly in his home in Tucson, Arizona, on November 13, 2025. Jim was born on January 25, 1952, in Jasper, Missouri. Jim was the second of seven children born to parents James and Antoinette Gallagher. Jim is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Stephen Gallagher. He is survived by his siblings Thomas Gallagher, Patricia Welsch, Peter Gallagher, Richard Gallagher, and Robert Gallagher.

Jim was a devoted husband and step-father, and is survived by his wife, Cheryl Gallagher, and daughter, Kimberly Braun. Although Jim started in Kim’s life as her step-father, Kim considers Jim to be her dad.

After attending high school in Illinois, Jim worked as an automotive mechanic for 40 years. He took trade school courses in electrical and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As a young man, Jim relocated to Arizona where he spent his time working on cars, golfing, and listening to classic rock.

Jim met his sweetie, Cheryl, on a game site playing Pinochle online. Jim, Cheryl, and Kim settled in Tucson, Arizona, where Kim attended the University of Arizona and Jim was a proud Wildcat dad. Jim and Cheryl were married on October 20, 2012. After retirement, Jim spent his time playing games online; cooking; woodworking; cheering on his football teams, the Bears and the UofA Wildcats; and attending musical theatre performances with his family. He appreciated time spent with his family, friends, neighbors, and Kim’s friends (his Wildcat kids).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s honor to The Lupus Foundation, an organization that reflects his dedication to his daughter. All who knew Jim will greatly miss his unique sense of humor, his devotion to his family, and his willingness to assist his friends and neighbors.