James Joseph Gallagher

James Joseph Gallagher, age 96, passed peacefully into eternal life on June 1, 2026, in Waco, TX. Born on December 31, 1929, in Queens, New York, Jim lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and devotion to family.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice, with whom he shared nearly seventy years of marriage. Their love for one another was evident to all who knew them. Though both were natives of New York, they met at a Knights of Columbus dance in San Diego, California, while Alice was visiting family and Jim was serving as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Jim often said that his real life began when he met Alice.

Raised in Astoria, New York, Jim learned the value of hard work at an early age. After marrying Alice, they settled in Brooklyn, where Jim worked full time while attending St. John’s University at night, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. During those years, they welcomed four children.

Jim’s career in accounting led him to become a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His work took him to several locations across the country before his command of the Spanish language eventually brought him to the Southwest. Hobbs, New Mexico, became home for more than forty years. Following his retirement from the FBI, Jim served as Training Coordinator for the Hobbs Police Department and later enjoyed substitute teaching at Hobbs High School, where students knew him as “Mr. G.”

A devoted Catholic, Jim generously served every parish he called home and was active in numerous organizations, including the Catholic War Veterans, Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Accountants Guild, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Jim is survived by his children, James E. Gallagher (Rena), Robert M. Gallagher (Jennifer), David G. Gallagher (Maria Eugenia), and Nadine M. Welch (Doug); grandchildren, Kevin Gallagher, Amanda Gallagher Flynn (Bryan), Robert Gallagher (Alexandria), Courtney Welch Sabra (Mohammad), Stephanie Welch, George Gallagher, and Greg Welch (Lindsay); and cherished great-granddaughter, Mallory Gallagher. Additional family members include Laura Allegre (Bruno) and Nicholas Gallagher (Jacqueline).

In addition to his commitment to physical fitness, working out three days a week well into his 95th year, Jim was deeply devoted to his spiritual well-being. Each morning, he began his day with scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments, the Gospel, and a set of prayer cards. He concluded this daily routine by reading a personal note he had handwritten to himself: “I will strive to be: Humble, Forgiving, Kind, Responsible, Patient, Merciful, Faithful.” These words were more than a reflection; they were a guide for how he lived his life each day.

All services will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco, TX. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18, 5:00 to 6:00 PM, followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating Jim’s life will take place on Friday, June 19, at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jerome’s Catholic Church Building Campaign, 9820 Chapel Rd. Waco, TX 76712, the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Scholarship Fund - 3717 Fettler Park Drive, Dumfries, Virginia 22025, or to the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, PO Box 5185, Hobbs, NM 88241.