James "Jim" M Galvin

James Maurice Galvin, known to his loved ones as Jim, passed away on June 8, 2024, at the age of 68, doing what he loved. Jim was the eldest of 7 children born to Cecil James “Jim” and Marvellyn “Ossie” Galvin on June 14, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Sioux City Heelan High School in 1973. After High School he road his Harley-Davidson motorcycle all around the USA. In 1983, he earned his degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. While in college he enjoyed camping and hiking, especially in the Grand Canyon. He spent most of his adult life in the Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, area. He spoke fondly of his days in Spokane, Washington, where he lived for several years with his family when his children were younger. Jim was a dedicated structural engineer, a profession that he excelled in. He had a strong work ethic and took great satisfaction in a job well done.

Jim had a zest for life that was truly inspiring. He found solace and adventure in flying his airplane across the southeastern part of Arizona. Together with his daughter, they would embark on breakfast trips at small airports and go hiking and exploring in the vast desert landscapes. Jim cherished these moments, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and discovery. Before every take off he would ask, “Are you ready to rock ‘n roll?!” He found peace in the quiet of the desert, where he would fly for an overnight campout, sometimes getting a rare glimpse of wild horses; and always coming back happier for the adventure. In his spare time, he enjoyed sitting on the back patio, playing with JJ and watching the sunset. Jim enjoyed taking his  dog, JJ, for walks, finding joy in nature and the simple pleasures of life. Jim loved to share a laugh. He will be remembered for his hard-working nature and his kind heart. He had a genuine warmth and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His love for his family and his adventurous spirit will forever be etched in our hearts. In honor of Jim’s life, the words of Gary Claud Stoker come to mind:

Impressions of a Pilot

“Flight is Freedom in its purest form,

To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin,

To feel the joy that swells within.

To leave the earth with its troubles and fly,

And know the warmth of a clear spring sky; Then back to earth at the end of the day Released from the tensions which melted away.

Should my end come while I am in flight, Whether brightest day or darkest night, Spare me no pity and shrug off the pain, Secure in the knowledge that I’d do it again.

For each of us is created to die, And within me I know,

I was born to fly”

Jim leaves behind his children, Kristine Galvin, Tucson, AZ and Adam Galvin (and Jennifer), Tucson, AZ; his grandchildren, Wyatt and Grace Galvin (and their mother Katherine), Summerdale, AL; his beloved dog, JJ; his siblings: Timothy (and Karen), Bend, OR; Patrick (and Susie), Houston, Texas; Mary Schield (and Kevin) of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Katie Corner (and Steve), Rochester, MN, Jeanne (and Ken), Chandler, AZ, and Karen Kruse, Davenport, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

JIm was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Taylor, who was KIA in Iraq (2018).

Jim loved animals, and particularly had a heart for dogs in distress. He also loved his country. If you wish to honor his memory please consider making a contribution to your local humane society or to military organization in memory of his son CW3 Taylor Galvin.