Career
Friends and fellow politicians described Mr. Gallagher as a joy to be associated with, and a courageous individual who dealt with his serious medical problems with a positive attitude. "Jim was, without a doubt, one of the great politicians I"ve ever known and one of the most courageous people I"ve ever known," Raddi said.
"He had amazing determination and will."
A Philadelphia native, Mr.
Gallagher moved to Levittown during the 1950s. He labored as a bus mechanic, and in 1957 he was asked by the Bristol Township Democratic Party to run for the state legislature against an incumbent, A. Patrick Brennan, whom he beat.
Mr. Gallagher was very effective during his 28 years in Harrisburg, said Berkes, who served with Mr.
Gallagher in the House between 1967 and 1974. "He was responsible for the legislation that created the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. that has enabled thousands of students to go to colleges in Pennsylvania," said Berkes.
Foreign 20 years, Mr. Gallagher served as chairman of the House Education Committee. Foreign his efforts, Mr. Gallagher became known as the "education legislator" and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Temple University in 1986.
He was a trustee of the Buckinghamshire County Community College. He was a Marine veteran of World World War World War II He was the first treasurer of the Buckinghamshire County Free Library.
He was a director of the Livengrin Foundation.
