Obituary of Jimmy Gallegos

Jimmy Gallegos was called home to be with our Lord on Monday, January 15th when he earned his angel wings. He was preceded by: his parents, Melisendro and Senaida Gallegos; his brothers Elias Gallegos, Freddie Gallegos and Phillip Gallegos; his sister Connie Prada; and Godson Michael Montano. He is survived by his loving wife Tonie Ann Gallegos of 64 years, Daughters Anna Gallegos and Melissa Sanchez (Eric); Grandson Brandon Sanchez; Godson David Prada (Judy); Sisters Olivia Chavez (Salvador), and Tessie Montano; Brothers Jerry Gallegos, Johnny Gallegos and Rubel Gallegos (Alice); Many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Jimmy Gallegos was an extraordinary man who defined his life through his compassion, integrity, and dignity from his rural upbringing, love and guidance he received from his parents. In his heart he was always loyal to the Marines which he proudly served his country as a Sargeant as well as caring for his fellow veteran comrades through his embodiment of strength and determination. He spent over 50 years volunteering his time as a VFW Chaplain visiting veterans in the hospital, nursing homes, praying rosaries, and the VA Medical Center. He was best known for sitting by veterans’ bedsides listening to their stories, praying with them, and providing spirituality religious items like rosaries, bibles, and prayer books. Jimmy would reach out to those veterans who did not have any family or friends and for some reason been forgotten by most. He never wanted his comrades to face the end of life’s journey alone. His feeling of being part of something bigger never left him since his fellow veterans were family so he always wanted them to feel they were never alone. Jimmy proudly served as a member of the veteran burial VFW Color Guard where he showed respect and dignity for the veterans loved ones’ sacrifice. He was honored by receiving the Chaplain of the Year Award at the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, VA Volunteer Unsung Hero of the Year Award, Marine Certificate of Recognition for Recruiting, President Bush Volunteer Service Award, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Volunteer Award, and the St. Anne Extraordinary Minister Certificate. The spirit of his volunteer service never left him even to the very end of his life.

In addition, for over 40 years Jimmy worked as a barber a job that he took great pride in the profession and loved his customers. He had a gift for remembering names, families, jobs and interests with seemingly endless curiosity about people's lives. While skilled with his scissors, Jimmy’s greatest talent was making each customer feel seen, heard and valued during their visit. Some of his customers were generational where he cut grandpa, dad, son, grandson, and great grandson haircuts. He so looked forward to each day to visit with customers who were more like family. Jimmy loved telling jokes and stories which brought smiles to everyone he met. He was one of the good guys, and his smile and conversations will be profoundly missed.

Jimmy Gallegos loved being outside going on long walks, hiking, and fishing. May he eternally enjoy the Majestics of the Heavens for the long life he lived, the many lives he made a difference for, and the compassion and love he had for everyone he met. We will always love you; you will always be in our heart and soul until we meet again.

Funeral Services and Rosary will be held at a later date.