James E. Galloway, 81, died peacefully on Nov. 6, 2019 at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, California. Born on July 7, 1938 to Eddie and Mary Galloway, he grew up in Forest Park and was a 1956 graduate of Proviso Township High School in Maywood. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958, proudly serving 8 years and receiving an honorable discharge in March of 1966 while stationed at Travis AFB in California. He elected to stay and make his life in California, working in the communications field for AT&T, Pacific Bell, and finally the County of Sacramento, where he retired.
Jim loved music and was an integral member of the Grunt Crew for the Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Festival from its second year until its conclusion. It was there he met the love of his life, Jeanette, and together they passed along their love of Jazz by working with the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation Youth Program, holding fundraisers in their own backyard. His memory will live on through music played by those who attended the camp and all touched by his selflessness and generosity.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his daughter Kathi and husband Dave; his stepsons, Mike and Tim and daughters-in-law Rita and Julie; his brother Dennis and wife Sharon; nine grandchildren, Stephanie, Adrien, Xavier, Blake, Mike, Robert, Brendan, Alicia, and Nicole; and five great grandchildren, Elise, Addie, McKenna, Emmie, and Hunter.
He will be laid to rest Nov. 25, at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, California 95628. Celebration of life to follow at noon at the Carmichael Elks Lodge on Cypress Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation Teagarden Jazz Camp.
