James Gallaway

James E. Gallaway, 75, of Van Wert passed away at 1:50 PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Van Wert Manor.

Born on February 22, 1945 in Van Wert, Ohio , the son of the late Ronald Gallaway and Doris Viola (Fisher) Gallaway. On February 28, 1965, he married the former Sue Ann Oechsle, who passed away on December 23, 2014. Together, they shared over 49 years of memories.

James was a veteran of the United States Army, Sergeant, 82nd Airborne Division serving in Vietnam where he was awarded a bronze star medal and was the recipient of two Purple Heart Medals.

He worked as a transmission specialist for Chrysler starting in California and then Georgia.

James was a member of the Van Wert American Legion, Van Wert V.F.W., and the National Rifle Association.

He enjoyed drag racing, constructing model airplanes, and collecting guns.

Surviving are two daughters, Angela (John) Marquez of Van Wert and Ashley (Jeff Norden) Gallaway of Laotto, Indiana; a son, John Gallaway of Douglasville, Georgia; five grandchildren, Rylie Gallaway, Jimmy Gallaway, Anna Marquez, Reyna Marquez, and Jace Marquez; a brother, Terry Joe (Brenda) Gallaway of Ohio City; and a sister, Mary Ann Gallaway of Ohio City.

He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Larry Gallaway.

A public memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, 655 N. Main St., Convoy, Ohio, 45832. Military graveside services will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Public visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the memorial service at the funeral home.

While family and friends are invited to attend Jim's visitation and memorial service at the funeral home and military graveside service at the cemetery, we continue to be cautious and concerned for those who are most at risk, the elderly and those with serious health issues. We strongly urge those who are most vulnerable to remain vigilant. Attendees are asked to observe social distancing and refrain from close physical contact.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James`s memory may be directed to the Van Wert Manor Activities Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy, Ohio.