James E. Gales

James E. Gales, 80, a resident of Aliquippa, PA for 37 years, passed away in his sleep at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley on March 7, 2025 with his wife JoAnn Rasillo Gales by his side. They were married for 52 years and had two children; Sara (Eloy Flores) of Enola, PA and James P. (Jennifer Brogan) of Eighty Four, PA. Sara, James and Jennifer are graduates of Hopewell High. JoAnn graduated from Western Beaver and RMU.

One of eight children, Jim was born in Elco, PA to Charles and Catherine Gales. His one remaining sibling is Tim (Debbie) of Modesto, CA. Jim graduated from California, PA High School in 1962, where he played baseball and football. He was drafted into the Army and served his country honorably in Vietnam as an MP.

After discharge, he worked for the former USAir for 37 years in various customer service positions, including baggage handling, crew scheduling, and as a gate agent. He was first employed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where he met JoAnn, a fellow employee in Public Relations. He later transferred to Washington Dulles International Airport and then to Pittsburgh International Airport. They spent their early years in Alexandria and Manassas, VA, then returned home to Pennsylvania to raise their children near grandparents and eventually retire.

He maintained many friendships and made new ones in the Pittsburgh area until his health started to deteriorate. He was particularly fond of early breakfasts at George's Restaurant, meals at J.W. Hall's and quick trips to Wendy's. He was an active member of the VFW and American Legion and cheered on his children at their school and community events. He and JoAnn enjoyed international trips while airline employees. Two of the best were to Acapulco, Mexico for their honeymoon and to Spain where they met relatives in Santander and Barcelona.

Jim is already missed by his immediate family, as well as extended families and friends, where he will no longer be that jovial participant with his dry sense of humor. There will be no viewing. But small gatherings to remember his life are ongoing by those whose paths he crossed as their schedules allow. As a veteran, he will be buried at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County.

The Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home in Rochester is handling arrangements.