Jim R. Galceran

Jim Galceran, "Coach," age 78, of Rossmoor, died peacefully at Marina Del Rey hospital on Friday, February 10. He was born to the late James D. and Evelyn Galceran, October 20, 1933, in Monterey Park, California. Jim grew up in Los Angeles, attended Fremont High School and then graduated from Washington High School in 1951. He received his bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University in 1955, where he was a scholarship, two-sport athlete - competing in both football and baseball. Jim met JoAnn McLean at Pepperdine and were married January 22, 1955. They raised their family in Rossmoor, and spent their retirement years in Lake Arrowhead and Rancho Mirage. A teacher at both Banning and Carson High Schools, Jim was first and foremost a coach. While leading many teams to championship seasons, perhaps his finest moment was guiding the Banning Pilots to the L.A. City Baseball Championship in 1961 as a 27-year-old head coach. This still stands after 50 years as Banning's only city section championship. Jim never met a stranger, enjoyed traveling the world with his family, and truly loved a good party. He was an avid sports fan and spent much of his retirement on the golf course at Lake Arrowhead Country Club. Jim was an American original and patriot. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; three daughters, Carol Susan, Linda Ann and Diane Eileen; as well as his brother, David of Las Vegas. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren. Jim had an impact on many lives - family, friends, and the many young men he coached and mentored not only in high school but as they matured into men. In lieu of the flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his memory to the "Wounded Warrior Project". A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Old Ranch Country Club on Sunday, March 4 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

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Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401