From Rik Johnson: February 18, 2008
It is with many tears and a very heavy heart that I have to pass along that a truly wonderful man, Jim Galasso (Bari of Musician’s Choice - 1988 Far Western District Champs) passed away in his sleep this last Saturday morning.

Jimmy was in his late 40’s but had battled Diabetes for many years. He was never one to complain and you would not have known that he had just about every one of the bad things that can go wrong from that terrible disease. He always had a good word to say and loved babies, singing, bowling (Former semi-pro with somewhere around 30 – 300 games), golf, …..He was a devoted spouse and father. He was a man of deep faith in God.

When Musician’s Choice decided to retire Jim and his family moved to the Chicago area and the Johnson’s moved to St Louis. It was at that point that our lives / families and friendship grew to the deepest of any one that I have been blessed to have in my life. It is about 5-6 hours in the car from our two homes but that never got in the way of our families getting together. Our families truly love one another and I could not have asked the Lord for a better best friend than Jim. I know that any who knew Jim will be touched and deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

We know that Jim is no longer in pain and man, the Lord got the best man and baritone I have ever known. I miss him deeply and know that we will someday sing again together.

Jim is survived by his lovely wife Priscilla and four great children (Susan, Joshua, Rebecca and Emily).

From Gregg Bernhard:
He was a secret hero for me, and I can't believe he is gone at such an early age. He was a joy to be around, and you couldn't help but be happy around him. Sure does make me think of how prescious this life is.