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. June 14, 1955 - June 8, 2024

Born on June 14, 1955, in Sioux City, Iowa, to C. J. “Jim” and Marvellyn “Ossie” Galvin, he was the oldest of seven children.

Jim graduated from Heelan High School in 1973. Prior to enrolling in college, he pursued a number of activities, among them riding his Harley sportster around the United States. In 1983, he earned his degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Jim’s passion for aviation took hold at an early age. As a boy, he patiently assembled numerous model airplanes, taking great care to ensure that each finished model was perfect, including the decals and painted markings on the mostly WWII planes. Later, he advanced to larger, gas-propelled models guided by strings. His Spitfire model was his favorite, and Jim seemed to be the only boy in the neighborhood who could guide the planes to a smooth landing.

While in college, Jim enjoyed camping and hiking, especially in the Grand Canyon. Although he spent most of his adult life in the Phoenix and

Tucson area, he spoke fondly of his days in Spokane, Washington, where he lived with his family for several years when his children were younger.

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, Kristine, they would embark on breakfast trips at small airports and go hiking and exploring in the vast desert landscapes. Before every take off he would ask, “Are you ready to rock ‘n roll?!” He cherished those moments, which created lasting memories filled with laughter and discovery.

Jim 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 his dog JJ, watching the sunset, and finding joy in nature and the simple pleasures of life. Jim loved to share a laugh. He had a genuine warmth and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His adventurous spirit, his love for his family, and his kindness toward animals — especially dogs — will be forever etched in our hearts.

Jim was a dedicated structural engineer, a profession he excelled in. As a reflection if his strong work ethic, he took great satisfaction in a job well done.

He was was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Taylor Galvin, an Army special forces helicopter pilot who was killed in action in Iraq in 2018.

“

I was born to fly.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.