Redlands, CA - Colonel James M. Galyen, USAF (Ret.) passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a life defined by determination, service, quiet strength, and devotion to family and faith.

James was born to Alfred and Marie Galyen in Downey, California, the third of five children. He graduated from Pius X High School and earned a football scholarship to Oregon State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in 1962 and in the same year was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

James married his beloved wife, and college sweetheart, Ardis Galyen (nee Henry). They shared 46 years of marriage until her untimely passing in 2010. Together, they built a life centered on family, friends, faith and service to others.

After pilot training at Williams AFB, Arizona, his first assignment was flying the B-47 in the Strategic Air Command. His career also included assignment in the Tactical and Military Airlift Commands. He served as a forward air controller in Southeast Asia with four Vietnam campaigns and in the Korean demilitarized zone. He flew the first, and seventh, mid-winter airdrops to McMurdo and the South Pole. His leadership roles included operations officer, squadron commander, Wing Deputy and Vice Commander, and 21st AF Wing Deputy Commander for Operations. He served in key roles for Operation Just Cause and Desert Shield.

Retiring from the Air Force, he continued his love of by flying for United Airlines on four different Boeing aircraft types and retiring as a Captain.

The second retirement led to world travels with Ardis, and friends, as well as greater involvement in the Redlands community. A man of deep faith, James was an active and devoted member of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church where he attended daily Mass, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered his time for various causes. He also volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels and supported a wheelchair charity providing mobility solutions for those in need. He was also a member the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal organization of American military pilots.

James is survived by his two sons, Mark (Euless, Texas) and Mike (Austin, Texas), his daughters-in-law, Maria and Lynn, his grandchildren, Max, Sam, Matthew, Isabella and James, his sister Bobbi, and his brothers Rick and John. He was preceded in death by his wife Ardis and sister Berta.

James will be remembered for his steady leadership, enduring faith, and unwavering commitment to his country and to giving back to his community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set for those who knew and loved him.

A Mass will be held 10am on Thursday April 23rd at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Redlands followed by a Celebration of Life and later that day a Visitation/Viewing will be held at Cortner Chapel from 4-6pm. The committal will be held at Riverside National Cemetery.