Plymouth - James J. “Jim” Galt, Jr., 64, of Plymouth, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Jim was born November 14, 1961, in Lafayette, Indiana, to James J. Galt, Sr. and Patricia A. (Smith) Galt. He graduated from Northridge High School and went on to Ball State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degrees in Education and Journalism, was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, and served as manager of the men’s basketball team. Jim began his career as an English and Journalism teacher at Mishawaka High School, teaching from 1985 to 1989 before entering the insurance industry. He built a long and successful career as an insurance agent with Allstate Insurance, Morrow Insurance, Miller Insurance, and, most recently, NFP.
Jim married Donna (Michaliska) on October 25, 1986, in Riverside, Illinois. The two met and fell in love while attending Ball State University. Together, they built a life centered on family, laughter, community, and making memories.
Jim was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Happy, positive, loving, and larger than life, he had a way of making people feel welcome wherever he went. He believed in living fully and selflessly, and he taught his family to value experiences and time together over possessions. He loved planning family trips, spring breaks, and golf getaways—not simply for the trips themselves, but for the memories they created and the time they gave the people he loved to be together.
Golf was one of Jim’s greatest passions, and he enjoyed countless rounds and many happy hours spent at Pretty Lake Golf Club. He was also an avid bowler and, earlier in life, coached and refereed basketball from 1985 to the early 2000’s. Jim loved being active and surrounded by family and friends. Whether it was watching the Cubs, Bears, or Fightin’ Irish games, playing a round of golf, or planning the Pretty Lake firework show, Jim had a gift for turning ordinary moments into occasions worth remembering.
Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where he and his family worshiped. He was also an active member of Moose Lodge #741, American Legion Post 27, Phi Delta Kappa, the Optimist Club of Mishawaka, and Pretty Lake Golf Club.
More than anything, Jim loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Donna Galt of Plymouth; his children, Sheryl Clinton and her husband, Ryan; Matthew Galt and his wife, Jenna; Erin Galt and her fiancé, Octavius Knox; and his beloved grandchildren, Camden, Bailey, Lennox, and Sloane. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia Galt; his siblings, Michael Galt (Ann), Elizabeth Rogers (David), Suzanne Steele (John), Denise Mead, and John Galt (MollyAnn); as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends who will deeply miss him.
Jim also loved the four-legged members of the family, including his dog, Tick; grand-dogs Clark, Barkley, and Piper; and grand-cat Gus.
He was preceded in death by his father, James J. Galt, Sr., and his in-laws, Ernest and Mary Michaliska.
Jim will be remembered for his kindness, his enthusiasm, his ability to connect with anyone, and, above all, the joy he found in bringing people together. His family and friends will carry Jim’s example with them: love loudly, share generously, and cherish every opportunity to be together.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 23rd from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
A Eulogy and Funeral Mass will be held Monday, August 24th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 614 N Walnut Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 with the eulogy starting promptly at 10:30a.m. and Mass beginning at 11:00a.m.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 6:00p.m. at Puerto Vallarta on the Lake Sports Bar & Grill.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family kindly asks that you consider making a donation in his memory to the Marshall County Humane Society or the Live Like Lou Foundation, supporting ALS research and families affected by ALS.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
