James John Gallagher

James J. Gallagher (June 11, 1926 – January 17, 2014) was an American educator specializing in special and gifted education.

Early life and education Gallagher was born on June 11, 1926, in Pittsburgh, to special educator Anna Mae. He served in World War II stateside, as a member of the United States Navy. He studied biology at the University of Pittsburgh, then psychology at Pennsylvania State University. In 1949, he married Gertrude "Rani" Cunningham.

Career Originally a psychologist for a children's hospital in Dayton, Ohio, Gallagher began his career in the mid-20th century, teaching students of average intelligence. He also taught at universities such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Michigan State University, and the Graham Institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from 1970.

Gallagher died on January 17, 2014, aged 87, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which was announced by the UNC in February.