James John Gallagher

Dr. James John “Red” Gallagher, age 90 of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 8, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Edith in April 2012. He is survived by his sons, Dr. James (Jackie) Gallagher and William (Linda) Gallagher; grandchildren, Jess (Dr. Jon) Currey, Jim A., Jenny, Casey and Alyssa Gallagher. He was a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School in 1941, graduated General Motors Institute with a BS degree, Western Michigan University in 1972 with an MBA degree and Western Michigan University with a PhD in 1976. Red served as a 2nd Lt. in World War II. He was a pilot of an A-26 in the 409th Bomb Group in the European Theatre. He worked for 24 years as Supervisor of Production and Material Control at Diesel Equipment, 11 years as Deputy Superintendant of Business Affairs for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, 4 years as Business Manager at Dade County, FL schools, Juneau, AK, and Lincoln, NE and finally retired in 1995 to Grand Rapids. Memorial services will be announced in the spring.