James Gallagher

James (Jim) Patrick Gallagher entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 19, 2026 surrounded by family. 

Jim was born on August 30, 1934 as the youngest of three sons to John (Jack) and Narcissa Gallagher. He served as a caddy and eventually as groundskeeper at Lochmoor Country Club, and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1952. Jim then attended Michigan State University, where he was honored as the inaugural Evans Scholar at that institution. Jim graduated from Michigan State in 1957, and embarked on a long and successful career in business and sales, culminating with his assumption of the roles of General Manager and President of MP Pumps in 1983. 

He married Meta Weitzel in 1988. Jim retired from sales in 1997, and subsequently enjoyed a full and active life with his family and in pursuit of his treasured pastime of captaining and restoring boats. As members of the Antique and Classic Boat Club, Jim and Meta went on many memorable boating rendezvous. Jim’s meticulous boat restorations garnered him widespread respect and admiration from the boating community. In particular, a 1957 twenty-six foot wood Chris-Craft that Jim restored, the “Class of ’57,” was recognized with 27 awards during 12 years of showing the boat.

 Jim will be remembered as a hard-working and sincere gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love for his family; and as a true friend and mentor who provided wise counsel and much-appreciated encouragement. To his last days, he maintained a deep faith, serving as a prayer warrior for family members.

 He is survived by his wife, Meta Gallagher of Grosse Pointe Park; children Michael Gallagher (Stacy), Carrie Peters (Dr. John), Colleen Stevenson (Tom), and Thomas Gallagher (Sandra); step-children Meta Martinez (Michael), Michele Pittel (Wayne), Mark Weitzel (Dr. Eileen), and Marjorie Frew (Colin); 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and first wife Georgiana Gallagher.

 A private cremation was held. A memorial service from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms will be held in the early Fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Capuchin Missions at www.thecapuchins.org/solanus-mission-association (or 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207).