JAMES GALLO

After fighting illness for over a year, James Crittenden Gallo passed away November 27, 2017, in Las Vegas, in the presence of his family. Forever at his side, was his wife, of 52 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gallo. Supporting them were their children, Jeneane and James Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; daughter, Jeneane; son, James Jr.; grandchildren, Gillian “Gigi,” James Dunn “J.D.” and Scarlett; his brother, John Vorpahl; and sister, Jennifer Vorpahl. Jim was born November 4, 1943, in Los Angeles. Jim grew up in Las Vegas with his brother, John, and sister, Jennifer. He attended Las Vegas High School. In his youth, he and his brother built and drag-raced cars. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961. He served his country for four years on the U.S.S Constellation. After returning home to Las Vegas, he met his soulmate, Jackie. Jim and Jackie were married November 6, 1965, in Las Vegas. Jim began a long and distinguished career in fire service when he joined the North Las Vegas Fire Department in 1970. He worked his way up through the ranks and retired as a Division Chief after 28 years of service in 1999. Jim was blessed with the ability to live an active and creative retirement. He created and built stage props for the Las Vegas Academy Dance Department, where his daughter develops original dance dramas. He pursued interests in both glass-blowing and wood-working. Jim opened a glass studio, “Beyond Marbles,” where he created and sold beautiful glass-blown flowers, bowls and platters. When the hot Las Vegas summers came, he shut down the glassblowing kiln and put his energy into wood-working. Jim created coffee tables, bed frames, night-stands and unique walking sticks. He brought much joy to his grandchildren with his creations of magical wands, staffs and wooden boxes. Jim was an amazing “Papa.” All three of his grandchildren, Gigi, J.D. and Scarlett cherished their times with him. Jim made each grandchild feel special with his creative tales of fairies, ogres, ghosts and monsters. Jim’s highest priority was his family. He always put his family’s needs in front of his own. If any of them needed help or advice, he would immediately stop what he was doing and be there. Jim was a loving, loyal and dedicated husband, a devoted and supportive brother, a trustworthy friend, a selfless and encouraging father and a patient and attentive Papa. As Jim would say, “Everyone has to die sometime.” He was loved by all and will be greatly missed by all. “Enjoy your peace, Big Jim.” Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 9, at Palm Mortuary, 6701 N. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89131. Reception will follow. Flowers or donations to your favorite charity may be made at you discretion.