Obituary of James Lehman Gallagher

James Lehman Gallagher, went to be with his Lord on the evening of January 12, 2022 at Wilson Hospital at the age of 90. James was employed by IBM for 44 years, retiring in 1991 as Director of the USA Suggestions Department. He met and married his childhood sweetheart, Lillian Jackson, in 1952 and they were married for 63 years until her death in 2015. James was predeceased by his parents James and Gertrude Gallagher and his younger twin brothers Richard and Robert Gallagher. James and Lillian's children are Mary Louise Gallagher (Mitchell Swanhart), Karenlee Belokur (Stephen) and Patrick Wayne Gallagher (Luann). Their grandchildren are Ericka Babineau, Jason Swaney, Joshua Belokur, Janelle Speca, Joseph Gallagher, Jacob Gallagher and Katherine Foster. They also had 25 great-grandchildren. James had a great love for gardening; especially growing garlic. Neighbors knew him as "the garlic man". James other interests were carving, painting, poetry, working in his woodshop and reading. He loved to learn and meet new people! He was an active member of the Vestal Center United Methodist Church and the Vestal Senior Citizens Group. He served four years in the Navy on the USS Yellowstone; a great adventure in his life. A funeral service will be held at Vestal Center United Methodist Church, 478 West Hill Rd. Vestal, on Thursday at 12 noon. Burial will be in Vestal Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Donations can be made in his memory to Vestal Center United Methodist Church 478 W Hill Rd, Vestal, NY 13850.