Eagles Mourn the Passing of Long-Time Exec Jim Gallagher

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Long-time executive and Eagles Hall of Famer Jim Gallagher passed away at the age of 88 on Friday morning, the team confirmed.

Gallagher served nearly a half-century in the organization dating back to 1949 before retiring in August of 1995.

At times he was immersed in both football operations as well as the business side of things. He was named the Eagles' personnel director in 1957 before taking more on his plate in a

He was named the Eagles' personnel director in 1957 before putting more on his plate in a differnt generation when executives wore many hats. For Gallaher over the years that included director of public relations, director of sales and marketing, director of alumni relations and finally the traveling secretary.

Following his retirement, Gallagher remained close to the organization until the time of his passing by making routine visits to the NovaCare Complex as well as the press box on game days.

“Jim was one of the kindest and most remarkable men you could ever meet,” said Eagles Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie. “His dedication to this organization went far beyond the 46 years he spent here, and his impact was far reaching. Everyone who was fortunate enough to meet Jim knows how much he loved the Eagles, but also how much he truly cared for and invested in the lives of others. To borrow one of his famous phrases, Jim was a ‘first-round pick.’"

Gallagher remains one of two team executives to have been inducted into the team's Hall of Fame and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, three sons, three daughters and 16 grandchildren.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen