James Gallegly

 James “Jim” Gallegly went to his heavenly home on September 23, 2023 after a long and brave fight with cancer. Jim was born in Oklahoma City, OK on June 29, 1947 to John M. Gallegly Jr. and Imogene F. Beatty Gallegly. Jim graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1965. Jim was an Eagle Scout at the time he graduated. He met the love of his life, Carole Lynn Sanders, in 1964 at the Nitty Gritty – a local place for teenagers to meet and dance (with no alcohol allowed). They began dating and both immediately knew they would be together forever. Jim enlisted in the Army Reserves just prior to their marriage on March 1, 1968. Jim went on to attend college at Oklahoma City University and graduated in May 1975. Jim became a police officer after graduating from the Police Academy at the top of his class. Working in law enforcement was a job he truly enjoyed. He worked for the Oklahoma City Police Department for 27 years, serving in almost every unit of the force before retiring in August of 1997 as Major of the Hefner Division.

Although he was passionate about his career in law enforcement, his true devotion belonged to his family. Everything he did, he did for his family. He was a teacher at heart, always imparting his wisdom onto his children, grandchildren, and anyone who needed his help. He was known for turning ordinary conversations into extensive learning opportunities. Jim enjoyed fishing and going to the lake with his family. Lake Texoma was his home away from home. In more recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, at the lake as much as possible, teaching them how to fish and pulling them on the tube.

Jim will be missed beyond measure and will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He is predeceased by his parents, John M. Gallegly Jr. and Imogene F. Beatty Gallegly. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carole Lynn Sanders Gallegly; his two children Tim Gallegly (and his wife Teisha) and Jill Gallegly Herrera (and her husband Mark). Jim had seven grandchildren: Julian, Jarren, Jonah, Elijah, Sloane, Stella, and Judah, and is also survived by his brothers Jerry Gallegly and Dale Gallegly (and his wife Shelly), and his sister Janice Gallegly.

To view the livestream service for Jim Gallegly please click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/3744379/dfebf378d