It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we notify the passing of James, who left us on April 14, 2025, at the age of 98. James was a beloved family member and a friend to many. His departure will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.
James was born on March 13, 1927, in Dravosburg, PA. At the age of 13, he met a girl named Mary Phyllis. They held hands and walked in the creek. At 17, he joined the Navy during World War II and served his country on a destroyer, the USS Lewis Hancock, in the Asian Pacific seas.
Once he arrived home at the age of 21, James and Mary met again and had their first date-a date that lasted 73 years, until her passing in January 2022. She remained very close to his heart throughout his life.
He was a proud veteran and a retired supervisor of the U.S. Steel Irvin Works division in West Mifflin, PA. James and Mary Phyllis later moved and retired to Bradenton, Florida, to be close to their grandsons.
He is preceded in heaven by the love of his life, Mary Phyllis Crummy; his sister, Marilyn Tassone (and Samuel); his parents, Philip Crummy and Verna Crummy (Boyer) of Dravosburg, PA; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.
He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Ann Galla (Dean) of Bradenton, Florida; grandson, Nathan Lee Galla (Lynn) and step-great-granddaughter, Hope Irons; grandson, Jon James Galla (Amber) of Dandridge, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.
As James travels on his final journey to join his beloved wife in celebration of life, we do so with gratitude for the love, joy, and inspiration he brought into our family.
Although he is no longer with us, his stories and memories will be with us forever.
Dad, Grandpap, and Uncle Jim-you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or Veterans of Foreign Wars-two causes close to James's heart.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Where friends and family will gather to honor and remember the love of a father, grandfather, and uncle Jim.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL, 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
