James Michael Gallagher, "Uncle Mike", 73, of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at UnityPoint Methodist in Peoria, following a heart attack after a brief fight with non-Covid pneumonia. He was born November 1, 1947 in Peoria to James H. and Wilma (Raker) Gallagher. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Terry (Hogge) Gallagher following a fire at their home on December 1, 2017. He is also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Ashburn, brother-in-law Ed Ashburn, and his niece Angela Ashburn. Surviving are his sisters, Denise (Brad) Ogborn and Mary Patricia (Gordon) Rule; nephews, Patrick Rule, Christopher Ashburn, Douglas Ashburn, Shawn Ogborn, and Brad Ogborn; nieces, Jennifer Graves and Pamela Beste.. Mike was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the United States Navy as a Signal Corpsman. He saw combat and ground action during the Tet Offensive, serving in his duties supporting a Marine Detachment tasked with obtaining intelligence on shore. Upon returning from Navy service, he attended Illinois Central College. An accountant by trade, he was a member of the Transportation Club of Peoria, working with various shipping and trucking companies in the 70s and early 80s. Michael and Terry moved to Southern California where he was a staff accountant for various firms. He and Terry were avid bowlers, fans of WWE and NASCAR. They returned to Peoria in 2004 to be closer their families with deep roots in the Peoria community. They were regular attendees at the Peoria Speedway until Terry's passing. Most recently, Mike was employed as a shift supervisor at the General Downing Home for Veterans until retiring in 2019. There, he provided invaluable support to fellow veterans, helping them transition from homelessness. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the General Downing Home for Veterans, 403 S. Olive St. Peoria, IL 61605, 676-5541.