James R. "Chick" Gallagher, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, died May 11, 2018 at age 71.

Chick was a beloved family man, military veteran, successful entrepreneur, and boating captain. He is survived by Karen Lee Benedict Gallagher, his wife and the love of his life; his three children, Dana Marie Tasker and her husband, Christian, Kimberly Ann Gallagher-Moses, and her husband, John, and Michael Gallagher; three grandchildren, Bailey Anne Moses, Jordan Rivera and her husband, Carlos, and Michael Moses; and his grand-dog and best friend, Titan.

Born on June 6, 1946 at Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia, Chick was the only son of the late James R. Gallagher, Sr. and Marie McCaffery Gallagher. After graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army and completed two tours in Vietnam, where he first served under Col. Charles Beckwith and received the Purple Heart. Back at home, he graduated Cum Laude from Shaw University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He completed Officers Candidate School and received two master's degrees.

A highly-decorated, rapid-deployment/counter-terrorism expert and field artillery brigade commander, Chick was one of the first members of Special Forces in the U.S. Army and enjoyed a distinguished military career that spanned 25 years.

His top military honors include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award for his selfless service, contributions, and sacrifices.

In 1992, Chick and Karen founded BNI Delaware Valley Regions. Under their leadership, BNI Delaware Valley Regions has consistently been one of the top performing regions in the world. Chick has been honored with numerous awards for his work with BNI. During the U.S. National Conference in April 2018, he received the prestigious "CEO Award" for his accomplishments as a global leader, trainer, speaker, and mentor.

Chick was a long-time member of the Golden Knights Parachute Team, held an unbroken record for the greatest number of off-duty jumps during his time at Ft. Brag, and appeared as part of a skydiving team in the 1969 film "The Gypsy Moths."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the celebration of life on Thursday, May 17, at St. John the Beloved R.C. Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. The viewing will take place at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 am to 12 noon. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12 noon. Full military honors will take place immediately after the mass. For his military service, he will be interred at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Tees 4 Teachers, a nonprofit organization that Chick envisioned will change the world. Tees 4 Teachers provides grant funding to teachers and education. Contributions can be made online at www.tees4teachers.com or mailed to 6 Oaknoll Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.

Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
302.994.9614
www.delawarefuneral.com