GRAFTON: James J. “Jim” Gallagher, Jr., 73, passed away February 27, 2023 at UMass Memorial in Worcester following a brief illness. His adoring family and wide circle of friends will miss him dearly, and the town of Grafton has truly lost a good one. Jim took service and citizenry to heart; living a life of service and kindness to the countless numbers he touched.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Deborah (O’Reilly), his son Kevin Gallagher, daughter Erin Gallagher and Peter Sullivan, his step-children Taryn Ellis and her husband Jimmy and Ross Botehlho, his grandchildren Ava and Brooklyn Ellis, his sister Kathy Warren and her husband Bobby and his nieces Kelly O'Connell and her daughter Lydia Synkiewicz and her partner Justin Rodrigues and Karen Warren and her wife Jen Archibald. He also is survived by his former spouse Denise Gallagher.

Jim was born in Cambridge May 26, 1949, son of the late Ruth (Burns) and James J. Gallagher, Sr. His roots were in the city before he went on to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service he embarked on a long career at the Social Security Administration, taking on a number of roles including Communications Director, a more than fitting role for someone so adept at getting a point across with passion and clarity as he so often did.

Over his many years in Grafton Jim found his way to several committees including the Veterans Advisory Committee, Cable Oversight Committee, Community Preservation Committee, The Grafton Housing Authority and Grafton Little League. He even found the time to gain local celebrity status, having hosted programming on local Grafton Cable TV and serving as an Auctioneer on PBS as well. In addition to his committee work he was a true steward to his beloved Parish of St. Mary’s in North Grafton having volunteered his talents of time and steadfast faith for the better of the church and its parishioners. He also found his way on to the campus of Boston College where he worked at sporting venues for many years, introducing his family to many great collegiate coaches and a few Boston sports legends along the way.

All are welcome to gather with Jim’s family and friends Monday March 6th from 4pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536 followed by the celebration of his Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church Tuesday March 7th at 11:00am. He will then be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton. Please honor Jim in lieu of flowers with donations to The Grafton Food Bank PO Box 324 Grafton, MA 01519. A Book of Memories to share a favorite story or memory with his family is available at:

www.RoneyFuneralHome.com