Retired Boston Firefighter, James F. "Jimmy" Gallagher, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. He was 70 years old.
Jimmy was born in Boston on July 2, 1947, a son of the late Raymond T. Gallagher and Virginia M. (Brooks) Gallagher. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1966. Jimmy enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on March 1, 1967 and served his country with courage and pride during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged on February 28, 1970 with the rank of Corporal. Jimmy joined the Boston Fire Department in 1979 and was initially assigned to Ladder 2 in East Boston before being transferred to Ladder 1 in the North End where he spent the rest of his career. He retired from the Boston Fire Department in 2009 following 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Boston. In 2000, Jimmy received Firefighter of the Year Award for his unselfish act of heroism. He is a retired member of Boston Firefighters Union Local # 718 and the International Firefighters Association. Jimmy also worked for over 23 years as a Courier for DHL. Jimmy is a 4th Degree member of Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus and member of Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association and Semper Fidelis Society. He enjoyed fishing and playing golf, hanging with friends at the Knights, walking and especially those day trips with his adored wife. Jimmy was a devoted family man and took great pride and admiration in his grandchildren.
Jimmy is the adored husband of 46 years to Lois M. (Blaikie) Gallagher. He is the devoted father of Derek Gallagher and Carla, Jason Gallagher and his wife Cheryl and Corey Gallagher. He is the loving Papa to Devin, Noel and also Maggie. He is the beloved brother of Virginia Gallagher, William Gallagher, Diane Gallagher, Patricia Gallagher and Raymond Gallagher. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jimmy's Funeral on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. His visiting hours will be on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Jimmy's name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.
Jimmy's family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care given to Jimmy at the Chelsea Soldiers Home, Massachusetts General Hospital Floor White-11 and The Kaplan Family Hospice House.