James Maurice Galvin

James (Jim) Maurice Galvin, age 68 passed away on June 8, 2024 from a plane crash on the top of Picacho Peak, AZ. Jim was the eldest of 7 children born to father Cecil James Galvin, son of Ray and Ethel Galvin, mother Marvellyn Galvin daughter of Leonard and Winifred Osburn. James was born on June 14, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Sioux City Heelan High School in 1973. 

After graduating from high school, James’s love of exploring on the road led him to travel all over the US on his Harley. After pursuing his civil engineering degree at NAU, he found his niche in structural engineering and continued this passion for the rest of his life eventually making him a senior principal structural engineer in his field. Jim loved doing engineering and was a dedicated professional working on projects in the greater Tucson/Phoenix area as well as outside AZ. 

Jim's outside interests included his passion for flying, horse racing, love and preservation of animals and the planet. In addition to his flying, he enjoyed sitting in the the back patio of his home, barbecuing with his family and playing with his dog JJ, watching tennis with his wife and going out for dinners. Jim was very generous and quick to help anybody in need.

He found solace and adventure in flying his airplane across the southeastern part of Arizona. Together with his daughter, they would embark on breakfast trips at small airports and go hiking and exploring in the vast desert landscapes. Jim cherished these moments, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and discovery. Before every take off he would ask, “Are you ready to rock ‘n roll?!” He found peace in the quiet of the desert, where he would fly for an overnight campout, sometimes getting a rare glimpse of wild horses and always coming back happier from the adventure.

A loving and devoted son, he was quick to tend to his widowed Mother Ossie (nickname) who resided in Phoenix. Jim and his wife visited her regularly, spending the night with her, and making sure she had everything she needed. 

Jim leaves behind his wife, Adrienne Z Galvin, Oro Valley, his children, daughter Kristine Galvin, Tucson, AZ, son Adam Galvin (Jennifer), Tucson, AZ, grandchildren, Wyatt and Grace Galvin, Summerville, AL, beloved dog, JJ, siblings Mary Schield (Kevin) Sturgeon Bay, WI, Patrick (Susie) Houston, TX, Timothy (Karen), Bend, OR, Katie Corner (Steve) Rochester, MN, Jeanne Galvin LaFleur(Ken) Chandler, AZ, Karen Kruse, Davenport, IA, nieces and nephew.

 James was preceded in death by his parents, Marvellynn Galvin, Cecil James Galvin, and son Chief Warrant Office 3 Taylor James Galvin.

Any donations as per Jim’s request should go to PACC (Pima County Animal Shelter) or to the Arizona’s Hero’s Memorial at Naranja Park, Oro Valley, AZ Jim has required private family viewing only.