James E O'Halloran

James E. O’Halloran, age 90, died Wednesday, September 28, 2016. He was born July 9, 1926 to Margaret & Maurice O’Halloran in Detroit, Michigan. The family had five children. Jim attended Visitation Grade School and graduated from Catholic Central high School in 1945. During his grade school years around the age of 7 it became evident that Jim had a lovely singing voice. As he grew, it gradually matured into a tenor voice allowing him to participate in the adult church choir. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served for 2 years in the Philippines. During his tour of duty he was sent to California to participate in a men’s choir where he became a soloist. The military choir held special holiday performances for celebrities. Upon discharge from the service Jim returned home and started his college education at the University of Detroit where he attained his bachelor’s degree. In the years following he received 2 masters degrees in finance. For 32 years he worked at Chrysler Corporation as a financial analyst. In subsequent years Jim met Jane his future wife at Beta Sigma Phi fellowship organization: to become a member of this fellowship everyone had to have a masters degree. They were married in 1969. In 1972 they purchased their cottage on Harsons Island which had remained their summer home. Jim joined the International Order of Alhambra, Galicia Caravan No. 77 in 1964. His sponsor was SN Alex Chisholm. Over the next few years he became a member of Galicia’s Divan. He was elected Chamberlain and held the office for three years, later becoming Grand Commander. After becoming Past Grand Commander he began his run up the ladder at the Supreme level. He held numerous Supreme offices and then from 1979-1981 ascended to the position of Supreme Commander of the Order.Upon the completion of his duties as Supreme Commander he returned to Galicia Caravan No. 77 where he remained an active member until his death. Jim was the Eastside Chairman for the historical and Commemorative Plaques.He developed and maintained the annual budget for the group, provided guidance and for the past seven years had been co-chairman of the Ceremonial Journal. Jim is survived by Jane, his wife of 47 years, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 2 from 4-9pm and Monday, October 3 from 5-9pm with a 7pm rosary service at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores. In state Tuesday, October 4 from 9:30am until 10:00 am, the time of the funeral mass at St. Margaret Catholic Church, St. Clair Shores. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the International Order of Alhambra, Galicia Caravan No. 77.