Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.It seems like yesterday the kids in Hollywood garden were playing riding their bikes and having fun. Now they are grown and have their own memories. Time is precious we should all make the most of it.

Condolence: A friend and I were driving yesterday and he was telling me about how his 11-year-old son isn't enjoying his youth soccer travel team -- so competitive and stressful it has drained any fun out of it, he thought his son would have been better off on the B team instead of making A level. I told him about playing in a Little League All-Star Tournament in Charlton when I was 12 years old in 1994 - we were not the most advanced players even in Grafton baseball, but it was one of the most fun times I ever had. I told my friend that I can still hear to this day Coach Gallagher's voice booming, "BELIEVE! BELIEVE!", as we rallied from 10 runs down. I dropped my friend off, went home and an hour later, my brother Nathan texted my Mom and I with the news of his passing. I was absolutely stunned because I had not spoken about Jim Gallagher for years and years. I don't know what it means but I thought I'd share that memory. We have an eight-month-old and when and if he decides to pick up a ball, I'll be looking for a coach like Jim - someone who builds kids up, gives them confidence and makes it fun. Deepest condolences to his family - my time with him was brief but I feel lucky for it. Jamie Agin Nashville, TN

Condolence: The one and only time I met Jim, he warmed my heart, made me laugh and welcomed me as if long forever friends. I am so grateful that my brother, Randy, was able to reunite with his Army buddy, and rekindle the friendship they had so many years before. And now, together again heaven. Oh Lord, let the fun begin! With Love and sympathy, Marie.

Condolence: May God comfort you Deb, Kevin, Erin and all family members. Kevin and Erin know this, your Dad loved you, was proud of you and spoke of you often. Kevin, your musical activities and train engineering were the topic of many conversations. Erin, he was proud that you worked for Social Security. On a personal note, Jim and I are of different color skin, race and religious denomination. Yet, my fondest memory of my dear friend will be of him saying either "brother of mine" or "my brother from another mother". Rest in peace my brother!

Condolence: I had the great pleasure of working with Jim at Social Security for many years. He embodied the ideals of public service. His sense of humor was legendary especially when hosting the annual Christmas party and charity auction. He had the best laugh and the best hugs, too. He and Deb often attended plays at Theatre III in Acton and we always sat him near the front because he could get any audience giggling uncontrollably. He is greatly missed by all who knew him.

Condolence: The Grafton Community has lost a great soul. We are diminished by our loss. Deepest sympathies to Deb, his wife and the love of his life and faithful companion, to his children Erin and Kevin and to all the extended family and friends. The fire of Love, hope and vibrant faith was not extinguished in the heart of Jim. I believe when he was called by the Lord, February 27th, the fire was burning brightly in his heart. He had ardently prayed and eagerly anticipated this encounter with the Lord. I suspect when his name was called, Jim, as usual responded with a loud, joyful and wholehearted: "Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will." Also, only as Jim could pull this off and get away with it, he probably turned to the angels and saints saying: "Well, do I hear an Amen?" To which the whole heavenly chorus sang a joyful Amen that vied with George Handel's "Amen" from his masterpiece, THE MESSIAH. Our loss is heaven's gain. Thank you Jim for the beautiful gift of yourself that you have generously given to us over the years, the great courage and determination you had making your way to the pulpit to proclaim loudly: THE WORD OF THE LORD! to which we still respond: THANKS BE TO GOD! (I still have in my email something he wrote in the summer of 2021: "Father, I just want you to know that I am a notary Public in Massachusetts. If you need anything notarized, my fee is that you be my friend forever." That was Jim. Thank you Jim, you are the best. And so I ask him again: "Jim, How are you doing?" To which he replies: Living the dream, Father, living the dream.") Father Leo LeBlanc

Condolence: I met Jim in 1968 and loved him ever since. Such a kind, funny, loving man who treasured his family and friends. He strove for a life of service. I will miss his Facebook posts. Sending love and light to his loved ones, especially Erin and Kevin and their mom.

Condolence: Our condolences to the family. Jim was a great guy and served his community by going above and beyond. We were happy to have worked along side of him on various committees. May his memories bring you comfort at this time. RIP Jim 🙏

Condolence: Such a sad loss to the Town and our neighborhood . Jim was truly one of the great ones and will be missed by all .. Prayers to the Gallagher family . The Billings

Condolence: Crushed when I heard the news. When I think of Jim, I am reminded of an old television ad jingle that could have been written about Jim Gallagher. "Simply the best...Better than all the rest!"