James Thomas Gallant

James Thomas Gallant, known to friends and family as (Jim), was known for his integrity and values. Whenever he was confronted with a situation that might benefit him at the expense of doing something of doubtful propriety, honesty or morality, his choices were driven by his motto to “do what’s right.” If an opportunity arose that would benefit him while simultaneously hurting someone else, he would always choose what he felt was ‘right’ in his heart. If you were to tell him, “I can’t believe you passed up that opportunity. Why did you turn that down?”, a response he was well known for was “BECAUSE IT ISN’T RIGHT”

James T. Gallant passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2022 at the age of 71.

Jim was born in Iowa on October 14th, 1950 to the late Robert Emmett Gallant and Estelle Corine Gallant.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Toni (Beare) Gallant for 48 of their 52 years together.

Jim’s extraordinary love for his daughter Malissa; his two sons Phil and Douglas; and his grandchildren Antonio, Samantha, Daniela, Dean and Brandon was unconditional. The love he had for his children was extended to his daughters-in-law Cheri and Kristie; and his son-in-law George.

In his youth he was a competitive wrestler and served in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his twin brother William (Bill); and his sisters Linda, Madonna (Donna) and Sherry.

When it came to expressing how he felt about people he cared for, Jim wore his heart on his sleeve. For those he was close to, the words “I love you” were a daily part of his life.

On a more personal note, when I was very young, we would play this game where our parents would ask “How much do you love me?” I was so young that the biggest number I could come up with was 9. Somehow, in our family, that number became the definition of love. My dad would end conversations on the phone, sign cards and end goodbyes with “Nine.”

I imagine this quote by Henry Scott Holland would be how Jim would respond to our grief.

 

“Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped into the next room

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used

Put no difference in your tone,

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,

Just around the corner.

All is well. ”

 

Nine

 

 

A celebration of life is being planned at a later date for family and close friends. Please feel free to write a tribute, give your condolence or share photos here in Jim’s honor. We would love to hear your stories and share them. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, to ‘pay it forward’ in Jim’s memory. Pay for someone's groceries in line at the grocery store. Offer to buy a homeless person a meal or give them a cup of coffee. Pay for someone's meal at a restaurant. Bring your neighbor a meal. Jim was known for helping people even if he didn’t have a lot of money.