James (Jimmy, Jim) Walter Gale

Sarah Ann Gale (Tucker) and James (Jimmy, Jim) Walter Gale, beloved wife and husband, passed away within days of each other, Sarah on April 24, 2024, and James on April 28, 2024.  Sarah suffered with Alzheimer’s for several years while James succumbed to heart disease. They were devoted partners and loving parents.

Sarah was born on March 8, 1940, while James entered the world on November 24, 1936.  Sarah was born in Phoenix, AZ to Archie Odus Tucker and Ethel Sara Ann Stogsdill as their thirteenth and youngest child.  Her parents were lifelong farmers, and several of her brothers continued the farming tradition.  She has a loving and very extended family, many of whom still live in AZ. James was born in Phoenix to James Wills Gale and Anna Bernice Echols.  He spent many early years in Flagstaff, played defense for the Flagstaff High School football team and was nicknamed “The Animal”.  He helped his dad with the family gas station and learned valuable business and mechanical skills.  In the late 50’s, he proudly joined the US Navy and was stationed on the USS Hornet during times of peace.

On November 3, 1958, James and Sarah were enjoined in marriage, embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment for 65+ years.  Sarah managed to get a teaching degree at Northern Arizona University while raising their four children in Flagstaff.  The family shared many joyous times boating on Lake Powell and at Rocky Point in Mexico on family vacations that included swimming, boating, fishing and lots of family fun.

Together, Sarah and James shared over six decades of marriage, building a family and many successful businesses including Northland Towing Company in Flagstaff and Paradise Mini-Storage in Glendale.  In addition, the entrepreneurs both earned real estate licenses and became agents in Sun City after moving to the Phoenix area. While building these businesses, they also realized a lifelong dream of building their dream home outside Rocky Point where they enjoyed over three decades of sun, sand, fishing, ATVing and socializing with their many special beach friends.  Sarah was a talented seamstress who also became an enthusiastic cook and beading artist.  She also joined the Arizona Business Women’s Association and Soroptimist Club in the 1970’s. James was a talented mechanic and overall handyman who became a prominent businessman in Flagstaff.  Both were also longtime members of the Elks Club of Flagstaff.  James was also a lifetime football enthusiast, with Alabama Crimson Tide always a favorite.

They are survived by their children:  Ferrell Gale, Tracy Gale (Diane), Jeffery Gale, and Jon Gale (Carrie); grandchildren:  Kristopher Baxter, Hillary Gale Meehan (Shane) and Grant Gale, great-grandson Finley Meehan.  Sarah is also survived by her brother Wayne of Arizona and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  She is pre-deceased by her parents and eleven siblings.  James is survived by his brother John and his wife Cheryl of Oregon and pre-deceased by his parents, stepmother Fern, and sister Bobbie Jean of Utah.

There will be a celebration of their lives on Saturday, September 7 at the Phoenix Elks Lodge #335 from 11 AM to 2 PM, including lunch, where those who knew and loved Sarah and James are invited to join in honoring their memory.  The address is 14424 N 32^nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032-5022. We request that you contact Tracy Gale by Messenger, e-mail or phone to RSVP so that we can get an accurate count for the caterer. Please leave your condolences at www.bunkerfamily.com.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity in their memory.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.