James E. Galbraith

September 23, 1923 – February 13, 1921

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Jim Galbraith of Tallahassee, FL, left formation on 13 February 2021, aged 97 years. Jim was a 336th pilot. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Westminster Oaks Assisted Living in Tallahassee. Folded wings.

As Jim’s obituary reads,

“He was born in Trail City, South Dakota, on September 23, 1923, the youngest of seven children to Frederick and Clara Galbraith. He grew up on a farm during the Dust Bowl and told great stories of his farm life, which he shared with generations of family and friends. Everyone who knew him has great memories of his dynamic storytelling and his wheezing laugh as he told about his antics with his dog Impy, the old swimming hole, his horse, and, of course, his famous candle joke.

“He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a B-17 pilot in WWII. As an architect, he worked for the State of Minnesota and was appointed the youngest state architect in Madison, Wisconsin. He worked as the Head of Planning and Construction for The University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He then moved with his family to Tallahassee, Florida, where he worked for the State University System of Florida Board of Regents.

“James was married to Jean (Sinclair) Galbraith (deceased) with whom he had 7 children: James Galbraith (partner Kipp Inglis), infant Johnathan Daniel (deceased), Robert Galbraith, Jill Galbraith (Rick Miller), Lynn Jones (David), David Galbraith (Patrice), and Polly Galbraith. He was blessed to have met Lois Sauers whom he married on December 17, 1976, and the family grew to include Laura Reinwald (Neil) and Carrie Putzeys (Robert). He loved to spend time with his family: walking, golfing, having family dinners with plenty of storytelling, eventful family trips around the United States, celebrating holidays, and family reunions.

“He was an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church where he participated in the Men’s Choir, Men’s Group, Bible Study, the Charismatic Prayer Community, Marriage Encounter retreats, and Christ Renews his Parish. He and Lois spent time with the Catholic Integrated Community in Germany, which is an international movement to renew the theology and teaching of the Catholic Church at the parish level. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

“The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Westminster Oaks Assisted Living, Big Bend Hospice, and Home Instead for their extraordinary support and care of James. Arrangements are being made by Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Good Shepherd Catholic Church. A memorial service and mass will take place at a later date.

“Donations can be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church: 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309.”

Jim attended his one and only 95th reunion at Orlando ’13. He made a memorable impression on all with his good nature, great humor, and that wheezing laugh for which he was so well known.