John William Gallagher

Jack was born in Detroit, MI on December 17th, 1924 to James William Gallagher and Nelle M. Burke, the fifth of six children.

Jack graduated from Saint Bernard High School in Detroit, MI on June 13th,1943 where he was the class Treasurer. Eight days after his high school graduation, he began his active service the US Army Air Corp. He served his country in World War II, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant with the 324th Bomber Squadron in the 13th Air Force. He flew in a B-24 Liberator as a waist gunner/radio operator in the South Pacific where he earned two Purple Hearts, numerous medals and commendations for his 43 missions flown.

He met and married Iris Heck in 1944 and they went on to have five children – James, John, William, David and Anne.

After finishing his service and being honorably discharged, Jack started his life long career in retail, selling shoes part time while attending the University of Michigan with Genesco. In his career, Jack advanced through a variety of management positions during his 41 years of tenure, before retiring in 1990.

He later met and married Jo Ann Leu in 1966 and they had one son – Robert.

Jack was an avid golfer and enjoyed his retirement years living on a golf course. Every May, he looked forward to the Kentucky Derby and always had a favorite to recommend to his many friends. However, his true joy was the love of his family.

Jack is survived by his son John (Maki) Gallagher of Honolulu, HI; William (Holly) Gallagher of Homosassa, FL; David (Mary Ann) of Orlando, FL; Anne Bachtel of Toledo, OH and Rob (Cindy) Gallagher of Nashville, TN. Jack had 23 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren as well as 6 great-great grandchildren. Jack was often teased by his older brother Jim, that the Gallagher's wouldn’t have had very well attended family reunions if it wasn’t for him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jim & Nelle, his brothers Jim, Bob, Tom, Dick and sister Mary and one son, Jim.

Mass of the Resurrection will be Friday, May 3, 2019 at ten o'clock in the morning, Church of the Holy Rosary, 192 Graylynn Drive - Nashville, TN 37214. Gathering of family and friends on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from four until eight o'clock in the afternoon at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home.