Jimmy Galloway

James Charles “Jimmy” Galloway, Jr., died peacefully at his home on November 21, 2017, with his family at his side. Throughout a seven-month battle with melanoma cancer, Jimmy continued to fight the good fight even in his final days, never losing his optimism, his humor, or, most importantly, his unwavering faith in the Lord.

The eldest son of the late Jim and Liz Galloway, Jimmy was born on December 18, 1952, in Kosciusko , Mississippi . Shortly thereafter the family moved to Columbus , a place Jimmy proudly called home for the majority of his life. He graduated from New Hope School in 1970, where he met his future wife, Pam Gildon. After a courtship that found its beginnings in the seventh grade (and continued until his death), the two married on December 21, 1974. Upon receiving his degree in chemistry from Mississippi State in 1975, Jimmy and Pam moved to Brookhaven , MS , where he began his career in insurance with Farm Bureau. They moved back to Columbus in 1979, and four years later, Jimmy purchased Galloway-Wiggers Insurance. In 1994, he merged his agency with Kyle Chandler Insurance to form Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance, where he served as president. Throughout his 42 year career, Jimmy served on numerous boards for multiple insurance companies and organizations, to include the advisory board of Mississippi State ’s insurance department, the executive committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi, the board of Cadence Bank, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Agent Advisory Council, where he served as chairman. A hard worker and dedicated insurance agent, Jimmy firmly believed in making the right thing happen and was a loyal advocate for his clients.

In addition to his work, Jimmy served his community in multiple organizations, serving on the board for the United Way , vice president of the board of trustees of the Golden Triangle Regional Medical Center , and as past president of the Columbus-Lowndes Economic Development Association and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He was also a strong supporter of children’s organizations here and abroad.

A devout Christian, Jimmy was a long time member of Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for many years. He was passionate about the Salt and Light prison ministry and was enthusiastic to share stories of lives he saw changed through that organization. He strove to be the hands and feet of Christ, and one of his life’s highlights was traveling through Israel following the footsteps of Jesus.

Jimmy had a passion for people, an innate ability to sense the needs of others and a generous, kind spirit dedicated to helping meet those needs. He rarely met a stranger and made friends wherever he went through his magnetic charisma and his gift of storytelling. He was fond of bringing others laughter, whether he was speaking of life experiences, about yet another prank he had pulled on a friend (or quite likely his wife), or telling one of his infamous Boudreaux jokes. He enjoyed an active lifestyle, be it biking, hunting, fishing, traveling, or simply spending time outdoors. Jimmy (or “Jimbo” as he was called by many family, friends and his adored grandchildren) will be remembered for countless things, including an infectious smile and a large personality. Mostly, however, he will be remembered for how big he loved others and his total devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Jimmy is survived by Pam, his wife of 43 years; his children, all of Columbus —Brandt Galloway and his wife Martha, Sally Edwards and her husband Shaun, and Betsy Galloway and her fiancé Stephen; his grandchildren—Sam and Annie Edwards, Lizzie and Ben Galloway, and Karter Young. He is also survived by brothers Rick (Shirley) Galloway of Round Rock, Texas, and Larry (Connie) Galloway of Covington, Louisiana, special friends Al and Anna Puckett of Columbus, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thanks to Dr. Hussein Tawbi, Jesse Richard, Kristen Perez-Johnston, Dr. Bethany Hairston and all of his caregivers at MD Anderson Medical Center and Baptist Hospital-Golden Triangle.

Visitation will take place Saturday, November 25, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Columbus from 9 am to 11 am. A celebration of life will follow at the church, with Reverend Tim Lee officiating, and burial will be afterward at Beersheba Cemetery . Pallbearers will be Al Puckett, Bill Lancaster, Jimmy Graham, Joe Horsman, Mike Waters, Nutie Dowdle, Ronnie Tubertini, and Ronnie West. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salt and Light Ministry, c/o Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1736 Beersheba Road , Columbus , MS , 39702 ; Palmer Home for Children, 912 11 th Avenue South , Columbus , MS , 39701 ; or Frank P. Phillips YMCA, 602 2 nd Avenue North , Columbus , MS 39701 .

“Be like the bird who, halting in his flight on limb too slight, feels it give way beneath him, yet sings, knowing he has wings.”