James Patrick Gallagher

Manchester, NH ----- James Patrick “Jim” Gallagher 70, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Mount Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, family at bedside. 

Born on January 2, 1954 in London, Ontario to the late James and Mary (Mullen) Gallagher, Jim grew up in London and Montreal where he was an avid folk music fan, having seen close up and personal such greats as Jonie Mitchell, Bruce Coburn, and Leonard Cohen. He and Linda met in Montreal, a plot by their lifelong friends and matchmakers, Christine and Sean, who later were known as Kate and Beth’s “fake aunt and uncle” and also Beth’s real godparents. Jim loved family – and children, especially, above all else, inspired by the optimism, innocence and magic of their eyes. He started waiting for grandchildren when Beth and Kate were in their late 20’s -- it was a long wait. He and Linda had many adventures, including a 4 year stint experiencing life as residents of Nova Scotia where they left thousands of footprints on the Harbor Walk. Walking- another thing that defined Jim!  Jim was able to meet all four of his grandchildren within hours (Jackson, 5 and Esme, 2) or weeks (Simon, 6, and Eli, 2) of their births. 

In Canada, he was most proud of his independent sci-fi bookstore. After moving to NH in 1984 he worked in the auto industry and then in mortgages, always most proud of how he listened and helped people making the biggest, often scariest financial decisions of their lives. He was patient, calm, reassuring and confident. 

Throughout the years, Jim loved the annual family vacations at Hampton Beach, with Linda, the girls, and his Mom. Also, trips to North Conway for skiing and of course, trips to visit family and friends on both sides of the border. 

Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Linda (Lisowski) Gallagher; daughter Katherine MacKenzie and husband Ryan of Manchester, NH and their two children, Jackson and Esme, daughter Elizabeth Bodrie and husband Adam of Tucson, AZ and their two children, Simon and Eli; his dear sister, Teresa Johnston;   her sons Gordon Daniel “GD”, Bradley, and Jimmy Johnston; nephews Glen and Thomas Stapleton and niece Cara Rosevear; close cousins, Pat Materiuk and her children, Dave Materiuk and Kat Malley.  

He is predeceased by his sister, Morag Stapleton, brothers-in-law, Gordon Johnston and Doug Stapleton; nephew,  second cousin, Paul Materiuk. 

 Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, will be Friday, March 22nd from 4 to 6 pm.  A Celebration of Life will be Saturday March 23rd at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.  Committal prayers will at Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Manchester. For those that wish, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to Manchester Historic Association, 200 Bedford, St. Manchester, NH 03101.